Dorset Flora Group: Re-visit to Baber’s Farm, Marshwood, West Dorset

Saturday 13th June

A follow-up to last year’s visit to Baber’s Farm, Marshwood. This is a Countryside Regeneration Trust site and this year we will be carrying out some baseline surveys on fields with a view to restoring them to species rich grassland. We’ll also visit one of the more species rich fields for a survey to update records.

In late 2025 a new farm track was installed, improving access to the Harmshay land. This work was supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme managed by Dorset National Landscape. The track will enable easier machinery and livestock movements allowing the CRT to apply wildflower seed to suitable parcels in 2026 with a view to enhancing species richness. CRT hope to use green hay from other fields on Babers to enhance the sward. Where possible a hay cut will be taken, failing that, fields will be conservation or seasonally grazed to allow floral diversity to increase.

When: 10.30am – 3.30pm (note later start time).

Leader: Helena Darragh and Tom Smith.

Meeting point: Babers Farm, Mutton Street, nr. Marshwood, DT6 5PZ. Grid ref.: SY 384988; What 3 words – ///parkland.energetic.ranch. The farm is located on Mutton Street, off the B3165 between Marshwood and Marshalsea. Directions on where to park will be provided to those who have booked a week or so before the event

Booking essential via: dorsetfloragroupprogramme@yahoo.com; 07717 437250.

Bring a packed lunch. Optional visit to a nearby pub afterwards for a drink.