Your August garden: prolong blooming, manage watering and prepare for next year’s display with expert advice from Pete Harcom
Help your lavender plants to keep their shape by trimming them after flowering
August’s jobs in the garden: Even with all the rain we’ve been having, it’s wise to keep a check on your potted plants and hanging baskets – the odd one can often miss out on all the rainfall, but naturally you won’t consider it needs watering after a downpour! The best time to water plants is early morning – this allows the foliage to dry quickly which discourages fungal spores. If you have to water in the evening, it is best to water at the roots and not on the leaves, reducing any fungal problems from wet leaves on the plant and on the soil overnight. However … plants in containers may well need watering twice a day – early morning AND evening! Keep feeding all your container plants with liquid fertiliser – once a week if possible. Regular feeding and dead heading – especially roses, dahlias and perennials – will help to keep the displays going. And in a step further than dead heading, sweet peas are at their best this month and they really do benefit from you constantly picking the flowers for vases in the house. It helps prolong the flowering period. Keep on removing those weeds, as they compete for water and soil nutrients. Prune all your summer flowering shrubs once the flowers are finished. And trim your lavender plants after flowering too, to help them keep their shape. This is a good month to remove the long whip side shoots from wisteria, back to approximately 20cm from the main stem (usually to 5 or 6 leaves). This will help control the growth and also encourage flowing next year. Wisteria will need pruning again in January or February. Now’s the time to plant your autumn flowering bulbs like Colchicum (autumn crocus) And believe it or not, now’s the time to order next year’s spring bulbs and perennials, ready for this autumn’s planting! Don’t forget your daffodils, tulips and Madonna lilies. Still looking ahead, start collecting seed from plants you want to grow next year – especially foxgloves, aquilegia, calendula, poppy and love-in-a-mist. Seed from aquilegia is an easy job – the seed pods rattle when they are ready to harvest, and they can be scattered immediately after gathering. Sow them in a shady spot if you need some colour there, or collect them for sowing in the Spring. You can store them in a dry spot in the shed until required for sowing.
Pauline Batstone shares her monthly round up of what’s happening among the town’s collection of community enterprises and events
1855 manager Cheryl Basten with SturAction’s Jacqui Wragg, celebrating their Gold Award
The Boutique, The Emporium and 1855 have all been having a bit of a makeover recently – a smart new sign over The Boutique, with new dark blue paint on the doors and windows of both it and 1855. And we’re pleased to be showing Earth Star, a new piece by local artist Jamie Hart on the front of 1855 – we want to do our part to make the town look attractive. Inside our shops the stock is as good as ever. Hopefully we may get a little more summer weather yet to encourage shoppers to enjoy buying some of our lovely summer clothes in The Boutique (Sale Now On!) and don’t forget Dapper Chaps. We must just say congratulations to 1855 for winning a Gold Award in the North Dorset Business Awards – and also to our tireless SturAction staff and marvellous volunteers. If you’ve not stopped by 1855 for a while, why not use the regular Meet the Traders event on the first Saturday morning of every month? It’s always the same day as the Car & Bike Enthusiasts Meet in town, so you can make a whole morning of it! The Art Week seems to have stretched on well beyond its official week – the town has been displaying some super paintings in the shop windows. A personal highlight was the totally mad but thoroughly enjoyable Art Race in The Exchange, with artists completing a painting in 20 minutes. The audience voted for their winner, and the pieces were also auctioned off. I urge everyone to come to the next one! In the meantime, don’t forget the vast collection of art upstairs in the Art Gallery above The Emporium.
1855 looking smart with new paint and the mounted Earth StarThe Art Race in The Exchange
In other news … The Wedding Festival will be back in 2025 – this time at the end of January. If you have a wedding dress in your attic which you would love people to enjoy again, St. Mary’s Church will be looking for more for the fourth exhibition! School holidays have started but that means the new term is looming closer. Don’t forget the FREE school uniform items upstairs above the Furniture Warehouse. Let the youngsters enjoy their summer freedom but as we move towards September come and see what we can help you with. We are trying to keep The Furniture Warehouse open on a regular basis – Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4.30pm (plus other times when we have volunteers available). If the door is not open, do always come down to The Emporium and someone will pop along and open up for you. And if you have a few spare hours, would you like to come and join our cheerful SturAction family? Get out the house, meet new people, fill a few quiet hours and immerse yourself in the lovely feeling of giving back. We are always looking for more volunteers to come and join our SturAction family! Please do drop by The Emporium or 1855 for a friendly chat, or email Cheryl on [email protected].
We are often asked where the money raised through SturAction’s shops goes – here’s what your support enabled us to contribute to the Town during July: Art Week simply would not have happened without you We have paid a grant to The Blackmore Vale Practice to help fund various national awareness campaigns to keep us all healthy and happy We are one of the sponsors of the Riverside Festival on 17th August, which aims to give families a cheap day out We pay for the free car parking on the first Saturday of every month with the aim of bringing people into town to shop and also enjoy the Car & Bike Enthusiasts Meet (and we also pay the insurance for that event). We have made a grant to The Exchange towards an exciting ongoing project which they hope will draw more people in to the town. That is just one month’s work for the town by SturAction – it is all about making Stur a good place to live, work and play.
The ultimate Classic & Supercar Sunday returns to Clayesmore this month, and with more than 650 cars on display it’s set to be a huge day
The Clayesmore Classic & Supercar Sunday returns to Iwerne Minster on SUNDAY 18 AUGUST, showcasing more than 650 of the finest, fastest and rarest cars in the world. The Rev Offs return… be prepared to be wowed! Last year’s did not disappoint. Set against the backdrop of Clayesmore house, it’s an amazing spectacle when the competing cars line up for the showdown of noise and muscle! The Camaro ZL1 will return – allegedly after some modifications and a trick to bypass the rev limiter – as will the twin turbo Huracan, though it’s had a makeover. We are delighted to welcome back our headline sponsor, Harwoods, who will be presenting an array of Bentleys, McLarens and Aston Martins.
They will also be exhibiting INEOS this year! We’re excited to see the New Aston Martin Vantage and the new Bentley Continental GT up close and personal – and we are assured there will be some seriously rare specials car to see. WATCH THIS SPACE!
Haynes Heritage are making their first visit to the show, bringing a variety of rare cars and restoration demonstrations. It’s time for the kids to take the driving seat! The Mini Rovers experience for kids is back – free of charge, thanks to Harwoods – so every child can have a go on this exciting off-road adventure obstacle course (now sporting a patriotic livery from their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent!). Come and have a go in these mini electric Land Rovers and earn a little learner driving licence. We also warmly welcome Hendy, who will be displaying some fabulous brands, from Maserati to Mokes, and plenty of others in between including Jaguar and Land Rover.
Expect a surprise appearance from a yellow three-wheeler, a display of military vehicles, singing Land Girls … As always, we’ll be rocking out to live music, and as you’d expect there’ll be no shortage of delicious food, with gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizza, gelato and crepes.
The rural day out is a celebration of community, countryside and tradition – and it’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds!
While the livestock, pristine rows of tractors and huge farm machinery signal it is very much still an agricultural show, there’s something about the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show that is a lot more – even for those who have never set a wellied foot in a fragrant farmyard. It’s the sense of community and the passion for the countryside that make it an unmissable event in North Dorset’s calendar.
An eclectic mix that works The G&S Show spans the generations, from a weather-beaten man giving a terse nod to a neighbour to an excited child leading a calf into the Main Ring for the first time. Small children in long white coats carefully lead sheep around a ring, seemingly not bothered by the crowds. Others trot ponies through their paces or help parents feed and brush livestock. Over in the marquees, perfectly-shaped vegetables compete alongside glorious dahlias in a riot of colours as inspirational flower arrangements filled the horticultural tent.
Steam to ferrets The crowds will be cheering this year as things turn competitive in a big way in the Harts of Stur Main Ring. And when we say big, we mean camel-sized. The camel racing is going to be the hit of the summer, we’re calling it now. The speed of the Shetland Pony racing team is something to see as they hurtle around the Main Ring – hugely entertaining, it’s worth finding a seat to stop and watch them. And by show day you’ll already be missing the Olympic showjumping – grab a spot ringside, there’s plenty of jumping to see here. Over in the Turnpike Ring, riples of laughter always accomany the start of the ferret racing – the furry creatures race down drainpipes, and it’s tails out, not the nose, that wins! And the Terrier Racing is unmissable – regulars aren’t there for the dogs so much as for Harold Galpin’s commentary and the sheer chaos that unfolds. Over in the steam section there always seems to be someone working on the engines, polishing and making sure the paintwork was gleaming. And what a joy it is to see them rumbling into the Main Ring for a circuit or two.
All the Food It’s at places like the G&S Show that you realise just how much food and drink is produced in the towns and villages of Dorset. From local beers to the gin distillers’ botanicals there’s a drink for everyone. And you certainly won’t go home hungry – expect hog roasts and ice cream stalls, endless choices at the fudge stand, local sausages and plenty of world foods. Make a picnic from salami, a mountain of regional cheeses and some of the local bread and cakes.
A Grand Parade The relaxed atmosphere of the day is at times juxtaposed with the strictest formality. Bowler hats in the judging ring, elegantly dressed ladies driving carriages, and pristine white-coated families leading livestock. Some things at the G&S Show have never changed. The Grand Parade starts at 3pm both days – don’t miss it, you’ll find the showground empties as everyone heads to the Main Ring to see the show’s champion livestock enjoying their moment of glory. The great thing about the G&S Show is that you never know who you might meet as you make your way round: you’ll bump into old friends and colleagues, local celbrities and for generations of local farming families it’s simply their annual get together. And if you’ve never been before, be aware you’ll soon be marking the third Wednesday in August on your calendar every year!
Quick show tips:
Advance ticket prices: Prices increase at midnight on the 7th August! Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £41 (Gate price £48) Adult: £18 (Gate price £21) Child (aged 5 to 15): £3 Under 5’s go FREE!
Gates open at 8.30am on both show days. They close at 10pm on Wednesday 14th, and at 6pm on Thursday 15th August.
Be sure to download your ticket in advance – data signal on show days is always very limited!
Bring some cash because the data signal will be shaky as the showgroudn fills, so contactless won’t be reliable
Polite dogs are of course welcome – they must be on a short lead, and NO dogs are permitted within the livestock areas, or in any marquees.
Bring a picnic! There are three designated areas for picnicking – we just ask that you don’t sit too close to marquees, so as to not block any emergency exits.
Save on plastic – bring your water bottle to the Show! Drinking water points will be available around the Showground, and will be marked on the map.
Thorngrove Garden Centre’s regular update from Kelsi-Dean Buck – who is excited for their biggest ever summer of events, plants and crafts
do not complain about the sun … do not complain about the sun … We hope you’ve all been staying safe and hydrated during the recent heatwave? We’re doing our best not to moan about the heat: after that horrendous start to the year, and the spring being a total wash out, it’s been nice to have a bit of actual summer! We are so excited for August and beyond as we will be getting out and about at two of the biggest events in our calendar. On the 14th and 15th August we will be attending Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, setting up with beautiful plants and meeting all of you lovely people! We will have a fabulous selection of 3-for-£10 1litre pots of West Country grown flowering herbaceous plants, with pack lavender, roses, herbs, gifts, greetings cards and more. That’s not all – we will be running a prize draw on both days. We just had our final meeting to plan our pitch and we’re so excited, it will be our biggest presence ever! Not only we will be there as Thorngrove, we will be setting up with Employ My Ability (EMA), so visitors can learn more about the amazing opportunities we offer young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Those who know about us already will know how EMA is at the heart of our garden centre and café – if you’d like to know more and meet our staff, grab a leaflet and please come and have a chat. Looking ahead to September, we are also attending Dorset County Show on the 7th and 8th September, with even more on display. We cannot wait!
Back at Thorngrove In other news, we are looking forward to hearing the judges feedback on Shaftesbury in Bloom 2024. Thorngrove, our EMA students and day service users play a huge role in this volunteer-led scheme, putting together more than 100 planters which are proudly on display around Shaftesbury. Whatever the outcome, we’re already planning for 2025 and look forward to continuing this annual tradition. Here at the garden centre we have now revealed dates for our special summer mini garden crafts sessions for children. This month they can make some mini gardens with real seeds, and a whole range of decorations to create a theme of their choice. These are perfect for four to nine-year-olds (though other ages are welcome). Parents go free.
We are of course bursting at the seams with blooms here on site, so do come and have a look for your summer garden additions. Our plant of the month is the wonderful Anemone, and there are a range of multi-buys and special offers. And don’t forget to join our FREE loyalty scheme (exclusive offers going out soon so don’t miss out!). Have a wonderful month, and we’ll see you soon!
As the council tackles biodiversity loss, Rachael Rowe looks at Dorset’s declaration and the steps it is taking to protect wildlife
We consider them rare, but they were commonplace in our grandparents day – the hazel dormouse is a good example of shifting baselines
The dearth of insects, particularly butterflies, has been noticeable this year – but not just because the summer has been a damp squib with unusually wet weather. Historically, Dorset has been full of wildlife, its countless hedgerows teeming with life. But are some species disappearing before our eyes? Following concerns about the global decline in flora and fauna, on 18th July, Dorset Council formally declared a Nature Emergency, indicating that it would prioritise the environment and biodiversity.
What is a Nature Emergency? Dorset is not the only council to make this formal declaration – several other local authorities are similarly concerned about the dangers to biodiversity. In the report presented to the council, the declaration recognises that there is a nature emergency: a. That nature is in long term decline and urgent action must be taken to reverse this, that the UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries – in the bottom 10% globally and the worst in the G7 – and with only about half its biodiversity left that it is far below the global average; b. That a thriving natural environment underpins a healthy, prosperous society, that it benefits our physical and mental health, feeds us, cleans our air, moderates urban heat, alleviates flooding, absorbs carbon, makes counties like Dorset beautiful and that its survival and diversity is essential to human life; c. That the nature crisis and the climate emergency are intrinsically linked and that the impacts of the climate crisis drive nature’s decline, while restoring nature can help to tackle the climate crisis. Dorset Council’s emerging nature recovery strategy will be strengthened, following the declaration. New Council leader Nick Ireland explains the priorities: ‘We’ll be embedding nature’s recovery at the heart of all strategic plans – including the forthcoming Dorset Local Plan – as well as into policy areas and decision-making processes. ‘We intend to further support and facilitate the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Dorset, working with farmers, landowners, businesses, organisations and NGOs so that there are agreed priorities, opportunities and reportable actions to recover nature across the county. We will also set clear strategic and measurable goals for nature’s recovery by 2030, and its contribution towards mitigating carbon emissions and increasing our resilience to climate change.’
The view across West Dorset from Eggardon Hill
How big is the problem? The county’s wildlife has been diligently monitored for some time, including by the Dorset Environmental Records Centre and various volunteer groups and charities, and their data shows that biodiversity is declining in Dorset in line with the global reports. Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive Brian Bleese says: ‘We’re hugely encouraged that Dorset Council has declared a nature emergency. Most people realise that we are facing a huge global crisis. Locally, we’ve faced serious problems with water pollution. And even in Dorset, rural as it is, one in 40 of all species is no longer in the county, and that includes 20 species of bee.’ The Dorset Rare Plant Register shows there are 17 species that have not been seen in the county since 2000, including orange foxtails and the short-water starwort. Starworts improve water quality, absorbing nutrients and naturally maintaining clean ponds – their disappearance has a follow-on impact on many other species. Variation in species is essential to create healthy ecosystems. Recent work by the Dorset Environmental Records Centre also highlights potential opportunities, such as the 18 farms owned by Dorset Council working to increase biodiversity.
When did you last see a dormouse? The decline of species such as field voles and dormice from rural areas is recorded in the Dorset Mammal Atlas series of maps. Last year the Mammal Society estimated there to be about 900,000 dormice in England and Wales – down from around 2.5 million in 2000. Mild winters and deer grazing hold some of the responsibility for disturbing their natural habitats, but the complete absence of dormice in parts of Dorset is a signal of a broader, more serious issue, as important species quietly vanish. ‘Some of this is about shifting baselines,’ said Brian. ‘Our “baseline” is how we saw nature when we were younger – over generations that baseline shifts. We all remember how much more wildlife there was when we were young – but our grandparents would remember much more.’
Where to start? One of the challenges in Dorset is to balance the nature emergency with other government directives such as an urgent requirement to build more homes – and the new government’s changes to the planning system are likely to exacerbate this situation. Under the Environment Act 2021, all planning permissions granted in England (with a few exemptions) now must deliver at least 10 per cent biodiversity net gain (BNG). There may be opportunities for the public to challenge developers more on protecting biodiversity, beyond the usual token drainage pond on a new-build estate – they could, for example, install living walls (walls covered with plants that grow vertically), bee bricks, bird boxes and green roofs. There are other areas where the local authority can make a difference to biodiversity.
Though it has minimised its use, glyphosate-based pesticide is still used by Dorset Council to tackle certain invasive species such as Japanese knotweed
Glyphosate – why risk it? Although Dorset Council has minimised the use of glyphosate weedkillers, they are still in use. In a letter to the council before the July meeting, campaigner and TV naturalist Chris Packham urged councillors to ban the use of the controversial chemical:
“I applaud that Dorset Council has a motion to declare a nature emergency … but to continue using glyphosate across Dorset’s urban areas is simply mind-boggling. “We know glyphosate-based products have the potential to cause significant damage to human health and to the environment – why take that risk? In a biodiversity crisis we need leaders – this is a huge opportunity for the council to lead, and demonstrate that emergency situations require ambitious, bold action.”
Several towns, including Glastonbury, have signed up to being pesticide-free on council land, so there is a precedent. How quickly can Dorset prioritise substituting glyphosates for other, more wildlife-friendly, products? ‘Dorset Council’s existing use of glyphosate is minimal,’ says Nick Ireland. ‘However, that doesn’t mean that as a responsible authority, we shouldn’t seek to reduce or even eliminate its application. Our current deployment of the herbicide is essentially in spraying sealed surfaces (pavements and kerbs) plus the very focused use on certain invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed and others to protect Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). ‘We are working to reduce the use through various means such as removing soil and detritus from sealed surfaces, combined with ensuring that when pavements and footpaths are replaced, the new surface is designed to be as weed resistant as possible. ‘Many other authorities in the UK have banned the use of glyphosate only to have to retract to various extents. We won’t issue a ban now because for us it simply is not practical. Please be assured that Dorset Council is dedicated to tackling both the climate and nature emergencies.’ Funding is a significant challenge and local councils currently face enormous financial constraints. This has led to concerns among residents that Dorset Council’s nature emergency declaration, while well-intentioned, may lack the necessary resources to be effective in execution. ‘Dorset Council has taken decisive action by declaring a nature emergency,’ says Nick. ‘We are placing nature’s recovery at the core of strategic plans, policies and decision-making processes. Going forward, all budgetary decisions will now take into account the impact on nature recovery.’ Protecting nature is critical for the future of the planet, for food security and to ensure healthy and sustainable ecosystems for wildlife. And it’s not solely the council’s responsibility – everyone has a small part to play to protect nature and make a difference, whether it is planting some bee-friendly flowers, putting up a nesting box in the garden, or becoming a hedgehog-friendly village. Brian Bleese is a big fan of this collective community approach to small actions: ‘Even in your own small garden, encouraging wildlife can create an essential corridor for nature.’
Barry Cuff takes a look at what’s happening, as the allotment enjoyed July’s damp weather
It’s a bumper year for potatoes – so far we have dug Maris Bard, Charlotte, Jazzy, Caledonian Pearl and a few Sagitta. All images: Barry Cuff
The weather remained unusual for the time of year – we had many dull days through July, and more than three inches of rain. Most crops have benefitted, with only a few a little later than usual:
Autumn salad and stir fry veg – Radicchio and Chinese cabbage have been sown in plugs. The remainder will be sown direct in August and September. Beetroot – Pulling as required for salads, and have sown a mixture of varieties (Perfect 3, Crimson King and Cylindra) in three more part- rows. Brassicas – All now doing well under the net, with good growth after recovering from pigeon and slug damage. Very few Cabbage White Butterflies spotted this year, and no sign of Swede Midge. Waiting to be planted out from plug trays are Medallion and Snow March spring cauliflowers, plus Romanesco and Savoy cabbages. Broad bean – The plants have finished cropping and have been put on the compost heap. Carrot – Pulling as required now, and more sowings have been made (Early Nantes). Celeriac – Putting on good growth and fed regularly with liquid seaweed. Celery – The Golden Self-Blanching are doing well, like the celeriac. Both are baited with slug pellets. Chicory – Growing well despite suffering a little slug damage. Courgette – two varieties growing (Defender and Astia), and both are cropping well: we are picking every two to three days. Dwarf French bean – We had the first picking of Safari mid-July, and the Nautica is currently flowering, will start cropping by early August. Leek – We do not need leeks until December. They have been planted out on the ground following the early potatoes and the broad beans. Thanks to the wet weather, they are establishing well.
The runner beans are right at the top of the eight foot canes and covered in flowers
Lettuce – A new batch is sown each month to ensure a constant supply (Little Gem). Mangetout – First pickings of Carouby De Massaune, but we’ll wait a little longer for the Purple Magnolia which will crop in August. Onion – The new variety Bonus is looking well (this variety replaced Golden Bear which we grew for many years). Some white rot which we live with as there is no cure except for an eight-year gap in the rotation. We manage six years and expect to lose about five to ten per cent to the disease Parsnip – Looking exceptionally well! Peas – A total disaster this year! Poor establishment due to weevil and soil conditions. We hope to do better in 2025. Potatoes – These have loved the wet conditions! So far we have dug Maris Bard, Charlotte, Jazzy, Caledonian Pearl and a few Sagitta. We have cut the haulms off Sagitta and Desiree. The Picasso and Caledonian Rose are still green, and these will have to be checked every day now as our plot neighbour has blight on her outdoor tomatoes Runner beans – Both varieties (Moonlight and Scarlet Emperor) are right at the top of the eightfoot canes and covered in flowers. Squash – From mid month we saw them put on a lot of growth.
The tomatoes are doing well and starting to crop, though there is a little blossom rot on a few.
Sweetcorn – Slightly later than usual. Tassels are appearing, but now they need some sunshine. Sweet pepper and Tomatoes (in the greenhouse) – both are doing well and starting to crop, though there is a little blossom rot on a few of the tomatoes. Weeds – What a year so far for weed growth! Hand weeding and hoeing at each visit to the plot, and we always allow a few Weasel Snout, Thornapple and Moth Mullein to survive. Hopefully August will be sunnier, especially for the sweetcorn and squashes.
July has been quite the month. Hot on the heels of a big birthday for me, we celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary (I know, I don’t look old enough. What can I say). And just a few days after we published July’s issue we booked some flights and were in Marseilles by Tuesday lunchtime. I say that so casually – but this was the first time we had flown in 23 years. This was a very BIG small flight for us. When our oldest was a toddler we had left him with the grandparents and taken off for a post-Uni celebratory week in Portugal. For no good reason whatsoever, seasoned traveller Courtenay panicked on the flight. The return trip was no better, and an irrational fear of flying had set in. We should have got straight back on a plane, of course, but instead we opted to have two more babies and consequently very little money or energy for foreign holidays.
By the time our daughter (no.4) came along, we were very used to the car/boat/train options dictating our travel. But now, No.1 son lives 4,000 miles away – and we’re off to visit him soon. C decided his first flight could not be a 14hr one, so to Marseilles we went. And it was a beautifully dull, boring flight with zero drama. Perfect. Of course, we returned to the UK refreshed and relaxed, only to pick up Covid … I got swiftly better, and C got worse. And worse. The last couple of weeks have been an exhausting tumble of attempting to stay on top of things and desperately trying to remember how relaxed we were just a couple of weeks ago in the middle of a French vineyard. Everyone knows we’re a team. But being man down in our 48th publication week (FOUR YEARS! We can’t believe it!), I’ll admit the wheels came off. Suddenly the team wasn’t teaming. It may be publication week, but I’ve had to do laundry, clean the kitchen, feed everybody, make my own lunch, remember whether it’s paracetamol or ibuprofen next … THIS IS NOT THE SERVICE I HAVE COME TO EXPECT. It culminated with a very long day and evening in A&E. Luckily he’s now doing much better – but I have warned him he’s never to be ill in publication week again. It just won’t do. I’ve missed him.
Laura x
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Discover Dorset’s busy summer food lineup: from cider and seafood to chilli and cheese, Fanny Charles explores the best local flavours this year
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Dorset has had a busy summer food festival calendar for many years – and this year the festival diary has got even fuller, with a new event at Shaftesbury joining regular celebrations of the county’s rich harvest of food and drink, seafood, cider … and chillis. The busy foodie month starts on Saturday 3rd August with the Dorset Food & Arts Festival now based at the Great Field at Poundbury (it was held originally at Queen Mother Square). This year is a special anniversary for the free event, which began in 2012 to celebrate the best of Dorset’s food, drink and creativity, during the London Olympics. It has remained free, and is a great event for locals to renew relationships with food and drink producers and artists – and for visitors to discover some real tastes of Dorset.
Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th August – the Great Dorset Chilli Festival, now established at Stock Gaylard, near Stalbridge (it was originally in the grounds of St Giles House near Wimborne). It has some claim to be Dorset’s hottest festival! Wednesday and Thursday 14th and 15th August – Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, one of the country’s leading agricultural shows, is a wonderful celebration of food and farming across Dorset and a bit beyond. Saturday 17th August – celebrate the West Country’s best known alcoholic drink at the Dorchester Cider Festival in Borough Gardens. It is a free, family-friendly celebration of the region’s bests cider as well as elderflower infusions, street food and live music. Sunday 18th August – new this year, EAT Shaftesbury on Park Walk. This is a new date for the long-established EAT festivals which bring outstanding local food and drink to towns across Somerset and Devon. Thursday 22nd August – Melplash Show on the West Bay showground between Bridport and West Bay, is one of the region’s finest one-day shows, and a great day out for anyone who cares about food, farming and the countryside.
Dorset County Show’s food area and enormous food and drink marquee
Saturday and Sunday 24th and 25th August – Swanage Fish Festival at a new venue, Sandpit Field off De Moulham Road. Saturday and Sunday 24th and 25th August – Stock Gaylard Oak Fair, celebrating oak trees, woodland, forestry, conservation and lots of local food.
Looking a little further ahead: 7th and 8th September – Dorset County Show, at the showground just north of Dorchester; two days of the cream of Dorset farming and countryside exhibitions and competitions, food, drink and rural life generally. 7th and 8th September – Dorset Seafood Festival, enjoy the best of Dorset’s marine harvest at the Weymouth Peninsula.
Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – Sturminster Cheese Festival, now in its 25th year, a celebration of the region’s cheese tradition, with lots of other artisan food and drink producers, artists and makers, local organisations, children’s activities and live music. Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th September – Poole’s Seafood and Sounds Festival in the Old Town and on the Quay; great food and live music.
