Wonston forest garden secures funding

A PROJECT to create a forest garden near Sturminster Newton has received funding of £1,000 from Waitrose.

Rupert Emerson and Sarah Cousins run a B&B business from their home at Orchard Farmhouse in Wonston.

The business has established itself as an working example of sustainable tourism, and won the 2011 Blackmore Vale Media Taste of Dorset Award for Best Organic Business.

Over the last three years, the couple have worked hard to convert their six acres of land into a haven for wildlife, and it is hoped that the forest garden, close to the Hardy Way trail, will provide nuts and seeds for feathered and furry visitors as well as produce for their kitchen. The list of unusual tree species includes Siberian pea tree, autumn olive, mulberry and high bush cranberry among others.

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"The Waitrose support is great news. We will top it up with money raised from a plant sale but it means we can get going much faster than we would have. The forest garden should be established and productive in just a few years," Rupert said.

Rupert and Sarah will be joined by Waitrose staff to plant the trees at the end of November, and they're looking for volunteers to help with the planting of a native hedge to create a boundary around the forest garden. The hedge planting takes place on Saturday 10th November from 9am to 2pm and all are welcome. All you need is a spade and a sturdy pair of boots. The session will conclude with a free organic lunch prepared by Sarah.

For more information, call 01258 817980 or email rupertemerson@hotmail.com