Power from the ground up

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4 May 2025

Brain’s Farm near Wincanton is producing biomethane and preparing to supply digestate back to farms, completing a truly circular energy cycle

The anbaerobic digester under construction at Brains Farm near Wincanton

It is predicted that, by 2030, more than ten per cent of the gas that we use in the UK could be biomethane – a renewable energy that is created by anaerobic digesters (AD). The figures, suggested by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, state that with new efficiency improvements, 8 billion cubic metres of the gas could be used in our homes.
One local contributor to the uplift in biomethane gas is the newly-converted Brain’s Farm near Wincanton. Planning permission was granted in 2017 for the site of the once-productive dairy farm to transition to renewable gas production. The plant is currently in the commissioning and ramping-up stage – meaning that while not yet at full production, the plant is operational.
James Lloyd, founder of BioWatt, the company that oversees the operation of the site, explained more about the project to The BV: ‘We are producing gas, but currently everything is in the performance testing phase. So, we’re going through all the equipment that has been installed as part of the construction project.’

A virtuous contributor
AD plants work by creating two products by digesting organic matter – biogas (used for heating or electricity) and digestate (the leftover solids and liquids in the tanks that is nutrient-rich and makes a great organic fertiliser).
At Brain’s Farm, as it is still early days, there is currently no digestate being produced. ‘It’s a two-tank process,’ said James. ’The first tank is fed, and in doing so it flows into the second tank. So, the second tank is now coming up to being at its operating level. Once it reaches that, then we’ll start to commission and performance test the digestate separation, and then we’ll be into producing digestate.’
Once that digestate is being produced, it will go back to the farmers who have contracts to grow feedstock for the plant – it will be spread across the fields to help improve the harvest for the following year’s feedstock.
‘We’ve had a lot of interest in taking the digestate – there’s a history of AD plants in the area, so the actual use of digestate and its benefits seems to be quite well known. As a result, we’ve had quite a bit of contact with local farmers inquiring as to whether it is available. Obviously, at this stage, the first digestate produced will be connected to those farmers who are growing for us.’
Digestate is a popular commodity. It’s cheaper than traditional fertiliser, but, more importantly, it removes the need for the creation of synthetic fertilisers, which are energy-intensive to create and rely on fossil fuels.
For now, the AD plant will only be fed on locally-grown crops, but soon it will be able to create biogas from other agriculture byproducts.
‘Right now we’re just commissioning on crop [products],’ says James. ‘The main reason being it’s a very safe way of starting the plant up. There’s no variability, so we’re not worried about contamination. When you’re testing everything, you take a variable out of the risk metric. So if you’re not worried about your feedstock, you can focus entirely on testing the equipment.
‘We are waiting for our environmental permit. As soon as we’ve got that, we’ll be allowed to take manures as feedstock.
‘Crops give you the best consistency of gas fuel from AD. But if you’re assuming the purpose of AD is to be a virtuous contributor to renewable energy at the lowest possible carbon cost, then what you should be processing are byproducts that haven’t got any other use … so, things like manures, straws and other agricultural byproducts.’

Objection
Even though Brain’s Farm is good for the environment, creates jobs for the local economy and revenue for local farmers, the AD came amid some concern from the residents of the area.
In 2017, Wincanton Town Council initially recommended the application be rejected, citing increased traffic and the ‘inappropriate development in the flood plain’. Local farmers believed that it would increase the cost of agricultural land to rent, making it harder for new farmers to acquire land and join the industry.
That same year, Horsington Parish Council ejected to the proposal on the grounds it was too large and inappropriate for the location and that it would have a visual impact on the rural landscape.
The communities of Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna (BWKM) were so concerned about the potential traffic impacts of the AD plant on their small country villages that they formed a community action group. Chairman of the BWKM Community Action Group, John Grant told The BV BioWatt had been very open: ‘I can’t say that we’ve always agreed about everything, but they’ve been very open to dialogue, and once discussions have taken place, we’ve made progress on our concerns.
‘What they’ve explained to us is that there will be some periods over this year when there will be [crop] deliveries taking place. That’s the period when, if there were going to be any traffic problems, these would occur.’
The collaboration between the action group and BioWatt led Somerset Council to approve a vehicle routing and signage strategy (VRSS) which means only farmers based in Buckhorn Weston and Kingston Magna are permitted to drive through those villages to the AD plant. The road signage directs all other AD traffic to the A303 via Wincanton. James Lloyd told the BV how the plant was to manage the traffic going in and out of the site at busy periods: ‘I think the fear of these things is considerably greater than the reality. We did a full harvest last year for grass, whole crop and maize – 13,000 tons of crop delivered to the site. And we had one errant driver.’

Harvest signs
‘I think, generally speaking, people have got a high degree of concern locally because of the general tractor use in the area. But actually, when you compare it to the number of vehicles already on the road, it will barely register. If we didn’t publish the harvest, there’s a fair chance people wouldn’t even notice.
‘We have created what we hope is a strong system to ensure the drivers all stick to the VRSS. Before harvest gets under way, we have an induction with all the drivers where we explain the importance of sticking to the prescribed routes. Each tractor and trailer is awarded a Harvest Sign, similar to a licence badge, which sits on the tractor and they hand back at the end of harvest. If someone rings with a complaint, we can know who the driver of that tractor and trailer is: next time they come onto the site, we’ll explain what’s happened and give them a warning. Second warning, they’ll be asked to stop for the day, and they’ll be fully re-inducted. And then, if there’s a third warning, it’s a case of “You have obviously chosen to disregard rules”, in which case we won’t be allowing them back on site.’

Good news for Sturminster Newton – the town is thriving!

By

Editorial team

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4 May 2025

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Empty shops are filling up fast: the town welcomes Smiley Miley – offering dog accessories, treats and other pet merchandise – who are moving from their space in 1855 into a shop of their own, taking over the former Agnes and Vera premises.
A warm welcome too to The Dressing Room, selling vintage and designer ladies’ clothing at the top of Station Road. Bank House Bistro has changed hands and become The Indian House, while Mumbai Bay is set to reopen as Tandoor Cottage on 6th May – good luck to both ventures.
The Dorset Blind Association has moved into Church Street and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile, the Friends of Blandford Hospital have refurbished their shop and are open for business again. While some complain about a town filled with charity shops, better those than empty windows – and charity shops offer plenty of benefits, from supporting local causes to encouraging social connection and offering affordable, sustainable shopping.

No you can’t spread it on your toast – it’s a Spoons Flavoured Butter candle – a new maker in 1855

Stur’s own community shops
The Emporium is currently looking for more volunteers, particularly for The Marketplace (the furniture store). The Marketplace is open whenever The Emporium is open, but its own volunteers are currently only there on Mondays and occasional Saturdays. Staff from The Emporium pop in when they can – but more help is needed to keep the doors open so visitors can browse the beautiful furniture inside. If you can spare a few hours a week, pop into The Emporium, The Boutique or 1855, or email Cheryl on 1855stur@gmail.com.
We’ve also welcomed new traders this month to the ever-changing 1855, joining more than 100 already trading there. And at long last, we’re stocking gift wrap too!
If that’s still not enough shopping for you, the Craft Market returns monthly from 3rd May at The Exchange, organised by Liz Whittingham.

Congratulations!
A bumper round of congratulations this month:
To The Boxing Club and The Football Club for their recent successes – long may they continue!
To SturFit, whose exercising bunnies display won the most votes in the Easter Window competition.
And to The Vale Family Hub for a strong and successful first month – though it has been sadly overshadowed by the death of key staff member Paige Hancock, aged just 24.
Our condolences to all those who knew and loved her.

Car & Bike Meet
The Car and Bike enthusiasts return to the Rec on 3rd May, moving from their smaller winter home in the car park. They had a fantastic selection of vehicles at the last one with a record attendance of more than 230 vehicles, including a Lamborghini Countach, several cars from the 70s and 80s, several stunning Porsches, E-Types, MGs and several American cars. Just a reminder that there’s no need to book, no charge and parking in the rest of the town is free for the day!
Keep an eye out too for our visitors from Montebourg, arriving that weekend as part of the town’s Twinning link with France – a very warm welcome to them.

The photo competition
The Sturminster Newton contribution to the North Dorset Photo Exhibition opens at The Exchange on 9th May for a fortnight. Local photographers will be showcasing what they love about our area, with public votes deciding the best three images from under-18s and over-18s. The winners will join the Professional photographers category winners and feature in a joint exhibition with the other North Dorset market towns later in June, also at The Exchange. The overall winners will be decided by renowned landscape photographer and local resident Charlie Waite. The aim? To build a collection of images that promote North Dorset to a wider tourist audience.

Shanty seaweed vodka – another new maker in 1855

Stur LitFest
And looking ahead to June (6th–15th), the Literary Festival is shaping up to be our best yet with soem terrific talks lined up. Tickets are on sale now – and they’re flying out, so don’t delay or you might miss out on listening to your favourite author! You can find the full list of events and book tickets at sturlitfest.com, or grab a brochure around the town. Tickets are also available in 1855
(You can see a quick LitFest round up in April’s BV here – Ed).

Hayley’s marathon effort boosts Sturfit fund

By

Editorial team

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4 May 2025

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Sturfit gym instructor Hayley Goddard has raised more than £2,000 for the Sturminster Newton community leisure centre after completing this year’s London Marathon.
Hayley, who lives in Henstridge with her partner and two daughters, joined Sturfit in 2022 and says working there has shown her just how vital the facility is for the local community.
‘We’re a little isolated here in rural North Dorset,’ she says. ‘Without good public transport links, facilities like Sturfit are hugely important for providing opportunities in sport, leisure and fitness and also a community and social hub.’
Hayley, who had only ‘dabbled’ in running before, took on the challenge to help Sturfit put on more activities and reach even more people.

Sturfit Centre Manager Roger Teasdale says: ‘Hayley’s fundraising page has already topped £2,099, beating our £2,000 target – and there are still collection pots and pledges to come in.’
Sturfit secured a coveted place in the London Marathon through the small charities ballot, but unfortunately missed out for 2026.
Find out more about Sturfit and its work at sturfit.org.

Sponsord by Wessex Internet

A glorious day at the Dorset Spring Show

By

Laura

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3 May 2025

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The sun continued to shine on the County Show team as the Dorset Spring Show opened its farm gates this weekend. Now in its new home at the Birch Lane Showground on a working farm, there can’t be many events that boast such a stunning backdrop of Dorset’s rolling hills.

The Spring Show was everything you’d hope for – the key is to take your time, saunter around, and stop to enjoy each element. With a packed schedule in the Spring Arena, and additional thrills from the BMX and Axemen arenas, there’s more than enough to fill a day.

Beyond the goat-herding dog, racing Shetland ponies, airborne BMX stunts and the strangely mesmerising wood-chopping, there was still so much to explore.

Titan the Robot gathered a huge crowd every time he appeared beside the picnic tent, with laughter rippling across the showground. The food hall was vast and bustling – don’t expect to leave empty handed. There’s always a sausage, chutney, vodka or cheese just tempting you to take it home.

The steam engine trailer rides proved especially popular, its cheerful chuffing and whistle creating a lovely soundtrack to the day as it gently pulled trailer-loads of families around the site.

Over on Spring Farm, it was hard to resist the draw of holding a fluffy chick, napping lambs and sleepy piglets. And in the heart of the farmyard, the kids’ pedal tractors kept many little ones happily occupied.

Trade stalls were plentiful and varied – be prepared for plenty of walking as you browse. It was a farmer’s field just a week ago, so sturdy footwear is a must!

The Food & Drink Village offered something for every taste, from local lamb burgers to Greek souvlaki. As expected, it got busy around lunchtime – go early or late if you’d rather avoid a queue. We opted for Thai (the chicken pad Thai was delicious) – though the wood-fired pizza next door was a very close contender!

The Demo Theatre hosted a fascinating NFU talk to open the day, followed by a mix of cookery and tastings from local producers, before wrapping up with floral demonstrations.

The show continues tomorrow, Sunday – it’s well worth a visit

www.dorsetspringshow.co.uk
Adults £18 | Kids £3 | Family £40
(under 5s free)

Getting to the Show:
Use the postcode DT2 7LN and follow the yellow directional signs when nearby.

Catch the Shuttle Bus from Dorchester, Poundbury and Puddletown – a double decker will be at each stop every half an hour. View the shuttle bus route: https://dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/spring-show-info/

Tickets can be purchased on the gate, or book online for faster entry (screenshot the ticket barcode on your phone before leaving home – signal’ onsite may not work’s iffy on site!).

Do take some cash – not all traders accept card, and contactless can be unreliable in the middle of a field!

Barry Cuff’s allotment: April diary 2025

By

Editorial team

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3 May 2025

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April is one of our busiest months on the allotment as we get ready for the main growing season. A lot of the jobs rely on favourable weather – so we are hoping for equal amounts of rain and sun!

Red Drumhead red cabbage has been planted out
All images: Barry Cuff

Weather
The first part of the month was dry, continuing on from a very dry March. Then some much-needed rain came on 18th and 22nd/23rd. We had some cold nights with a touch of frost on 8th and 17th, and we enjoyed a mix of very sunny and very dull days.

Ground preparation
The soil became much easier to dig and till after the rain on the 18th, and an absolute pleasure to prepare after the 0.3 inches on the 23rd!

Outdoor sowings
We planted two lines of Palace parsnip with four to six seeds per station. These will be thinned down to two when they’re ready. Also sowed some part lines of Moulin Rouge beetroot and Early Nantes carrot.

Outdoor planting
Planted one row of Red Drumhead red cabbage, four rows of Bonus onions (from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug), a part row of Red Baron onions also from plugs. Another part row of remaining onions was close-planted, as these are to be used as spring onions
In the greenhouse
Celery, celeriac, Brussels sprouts, lettuce and parsley were all sown in plugs or pots, and we have put all our tomatoes and sweet peppers into large pots. We keep a close watch on the weather forecast at this time of year – a frost could do damage even under glass.

On the plot
We have been digging as required. The garlic is looking exceptionally good, and the broad beans started to flower on the 15th.

Potatoes
Regular readers will know we grow a lot of potatoes! This year we have six varieties, plus short rows of three new varieties we are trialling.
We started planting in late March and finished on 22nd April, working as the land became available.
Early planting means we quite often harvest early and miss the blight, but we do have to check the forecast for frosts. All the early planted rows have been earthed up*.

Onions are planted out from small plugs which had one to three seeds per plug

Fruit
There are masses of flowers on the gooseberries and currants, and the strawberries started to flower on the 21st. A lot of new growth on the raspberries.

Fresh food
We harvested the last of the carrots, parsnips, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli and leeks.

Salads
We are enjoying mizuna from the plot as well as lettuce, mixed mustard leaves and pea shoots from the greenhouse, plus the forced chicons.

Next month will be the main sowing month of the year!

*where soil is mounded around the base of potato plants as they grow. This process protects the plants from frost, prevents tubers from turning green due to sunlight, and encourages more potato growth.

May in the garden

By

Editorial team

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3 May 2025

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With butterfly numbers falling, Pete Harcom explains how we can all help pollinators thrive by rethinking lawns, flowers and our love of tidy gardens

Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) with wings outstreached, resting on a verbena bonariensis flower

do some gardening for wildlife … and in particular, for our butterflies?
They are beautiful, of course, and they are also an important part of the UK’s wildlife – but our butterflies are swiftly disappearing.
They are highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment and play crucial roles in the food chain, as well as being pollinators of plants.
The UK now has 59 species of butterflies, with five species having become extinct in the last 150 years. The 2022 report on the state of the UK’s butterflies revealed the alarming news that 80 per cent of butterfly species in the UK have decreased in either abundance, distribution or both since 1976.
Decreases in butterfly populations on this scale are a huge cause for concern: butterflies are an integral part of the UK ecosystem and their decline is a clear warning signal of the wider biodiversity crisis.
Perhaps we should consider stopping using weed killers and pesticides?
The RHS provides some really good advice on which plants are good for our pollinators, including butterflies, on its website here. They particularly like buddleia, sedum, hebe, wild marjoram, common knapweed, red Valerian, nettles, holly, hops and verbena bonariensis.
The Woodland Trust suggests that if we want to help pollinators, we should avoid plants with double or multi–petalled flowers: pollinators find them difficult to access. The flowers also often lack nectar and pollen. Roses and dahlias are often bred to have double flowers, but there are plenty of beautiful single–flowered varieties to grow instead.

Your new meadow
Another thing particularly appropriate this month is participating in the Plantlife charity ‘No Mow May’ idea. Maybe expand it into further months of the year: let go of that perfect lawn idea, and instead mow pathways through your new mini meadow? Leave the lawn to produce wildflowers, as these will provide nectar for our insects, butterflies and moths.
If your lawn is near a hedge or fence, insects tend to use longer grasses near hedges or fence lines for shelter. These un–mown areas provide valuable habitat for pollinators, insects, butterflies and moths, just when they are hatching or coming out of hibernation. And they in turn are a food source for birds, bats and other wildlife.
Of course, an actual wildflower meadow won’t appear from just not mowing the lawn, but it is surprising just how many flowers do appear … daisies and clover will be first, then dandelions, buttercups, yarrow … primroses and violets may also appear.
When you decide to start mowing the lawn again, mow it on the high setting on the mower first and then gradually cut it shorter over the ensuing weeks.
If you sometimes leave the lawn clippings on the lawn, they will rot down and fertilise the sward.

Does Dorset Council want to close its adult day centres – and if so, why?

By

Editorial team

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3 May 2025

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Dorset’s new adult day care plans could see centre closures – critics say proposals ignore facilities, users’ needs and rural transport challenges

The purpose-built Blandford Day Care Centre is declared too large, with poor public transport access, despite the bus stop at the front entrance

Dorset Council, created in 2019 as a Conservative led authority and under Liberal Democrat control since the May 2024 election, has outlined proposals for major changes to the way it intends to provide day care for vulnerable residents across the county.
A consultation document issued on 11th March outlined the ‘hub and spoke’ schemes proposed, and gave interested parties 90 days, until 9th June, to make their views known.
The issues facing users and their carers, across the five areas of the county, are varied and complex. Six hundred people in Dorset use the adult day care services every day, and just over 300 of them are placed with Care Dorset, the council’s ‘trading partner.’
Currently in North Dorset, four day centres provide adult services to 68 residents. Of these, 21 visit the Blandford area centre, six attend Sherborne, five attend Shaftesbury and 34 attend Sturminster Newton.

Hub proposal
The consultation document explains that the users of the day care centres and their carers were asked about their experiences in 2021 and again in 2023, and asked for a wider choice of local activities and more flexible options, including activities in the evenings and at weekends. It continues: ‘We propose to introduce hubs across the county, where people can go to access information, make connections to everything that is going on in their local area and take part in some activities.’
But critics of the new scheme fear that the cash-strapped council is really proposing the closure of centres and the removal of services to some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Rob Mariner, a full-time defence industry worker whose wife has early-onset dementia and attends the Blandford centre twice a week, welcomes the respite from worry that he relies on while she is being cared for. Moving her care to Sturminster would be an hour’s round trip, eating into his work time. Rob has started a petition against the closure of the existing centres.
A parent who has taken many months persuading her adult son to attend the centre at Blandford fears he will not be willing to go to a ‘new’ centre at Sturminster.
They and other carers criticise the consultation document for omitting mention of important and well-used facilities, like the garden and cafe at the current Blandford centre, which is the most modern, was purpose built and has a bus stop right outside, meaning that public transport is not an issue.
The council document says that more than half of the people who attend day opportunities have their service delivered by Care Dorset in council-owned buildings, which are large and in need of updating. The proposals for the new hubs, and their spokes, are outlined in the document, but critics question the huge disparity in the numbers of people using the service between the various towns in North Dorset.

Rob Mariner and his wife Mary, who has early onset dementia, rely on the Blandford Day Centre

If you want to have your say over the Dorset Council proposals, visit
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/better-days
Dorset Council invites the public to attend two online events via Teams to share their thoughts on the proposal:
15th May at 6pm h e re
4th June at 6pm here
Rob Mariner’s petition to stop the closure of day centres in North Dorset is at Change.org

Sunshine and Smiles at Shaftesbury’s Family Fun Run

By

Editorial team

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3 May 2025

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A glorious sunny Sunday brought out runners, families and spectators for Shaftesbury Rotary’s second Family Fun Run – and what a brilliant morning it was. With around 150 entries, runners chose between 5km and 10km routes, both finishing with the famous climb up Gold Hill.
The course, entirely within Shaftesbury, took participants along some of the town’s lesser-known but scenic streets, offering a fresh view of this beautiful town. A highlight for many was the Jelly Baby station at Bimport, cheerfully manned by Abbey Primary School RotaKids George, Iris, Lily and Sophia – who heroically resisted the temptation to snack!
Shaftesbury Primary RotaKids Sanya, Poppy, Verity and Jack were stationed at the finish line, proudly handing out medals. Both enthusiastic RotaKid teams were invaluable, helping to make the event a success.
Proceeds will go to Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital, and Rotary extends thanks to returning sponsors Bloomfield Associates Ltd, as well as BAD (Brave and Determined) for running the coffee trailer.
shaftesburyrotaryclub.org
date for the diary: North Dorset Cycle Ride on 18th May – those completing two events qualify for a special Triathlon medal. Fingers crossed for more sunshine!

Community rallies for former Navy engineer living with MND

By

Editorial team

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3 May 2025

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‘United for Jon’ fundraising night set for 31st May, as friends and neighbours step up to raise support for Gillingham dad Jon Over

Friends and neighbours across North Dorset and Somerset are coming together this month to support Jon Over, a former Royal Navy engineer and father-of-two who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
During his 23-year service in the Royal Navy, Jon was primarily based at Yeovilton air station, serving with 815 and 825 Naval Air Squadrons. He began by maintaining Lynx helicopters and later worked on the Wildcat.
Before leaving the Navy as a chief petty officer, he was a staunch fundraiser and key member of many Fleet Air Arm and Navy sports teams, including rugby, tennis, cricket, golf and athletics.
‘Jon’s someone who has always been willing to give back,’ said his friend, Chief Petty Officer Dan ‘Whisky’ Walker.
Jon and his family had only just moved into their dream home in Gillingham when they received the devastating diagnosis. With a prognosis of just one to three years, friends are rallying to raise funds that will allow Jon to create precious memories with his wife, Marie, and their two daughters – and help safeguard their family home.

A team effort
Jon’s supporters are running the Brighton Marathon, climbing Lake District peaks, attempting a cross-Channel swim and organising a golf day – all to top up the fund that has already raised more than £17,000 via a JustGiving page created by Jon’s close friend, Daniel: ‘I’ve had the privilege of calling Jon my friend for almost 20 years. He’s truly selfless, and has done so much for others – he’s kind, compassionate, and always there when you need him.’
The Fleet Air Arm community at Yeovilton has also rallied to support Jon, with various fundraising initiatives underway. Jon’s football friends, Adam Vincent and Greg Hissey, have also organised a charity fundraising night, United for Jon, at Wincanton Sports Ground on Saturday 31st May. ‘Jon’s known for his kindness and unwavering support for others,’ says Greg. ‘He and Marie recently moved into their dream home in Gillingham and are now faced with potentially losing it – which we want to help prevent. The fundraising night will include a DJ, dancing, raffle, silent auction*, and a pizza van for hungry revellers.
With no cure for MND, the community’s support is making a very real difference. Every ticket sold and every donation made helps ease the burden for a family facing the unthinkable.

United for Jon
Dress to impress!
(over 18s only) Wincanton Sports Ground
Saturday 31st May
7pm to 11.30pm
Tickets are £22.38 (including a welcome drink) available via Even t brite.

If you can help with donations of raffle and auction prizes, please contact Greg on
hissey9@hotmail.com

You can donate to the JustGiving page for Jon here