Together we Transform

The Poundbury Community Farm established in 2010 by Transition Town Dorchester, brings people together to explore ways of living more sustainably and build a community through sharing growing space, tools, knowledge, ideas and work, and harvesting produce together. 

The farm, which is open to all members of the public, has a large polytunnel, outside raised beds, fruit trees, a pond, a heritage orchard, several colonies of bees, a separate wildlife pond, geese and hens, and a forest garden.

There is one pond in the polytunnel field and a larger one in the heritage orchard. The ponds have fallen into disrepair and no longer hold water due to leaks. 

Renovating these ponds involved producing a landscaping plan, sourcing the materials, replacing the liner, tidying up and landscaping the area around the ponds, and new planting around the exteriors. The cost of materials for the first pond was covered by a grant from The Rotary Foundation and fundraising by the club, and a donation of sand from the local branch of building merchants, Bradfords. Rotary members joined the Community Farm people to provide the manpower necessary to carry out the work. The Poundbury Garden Centre agreed to give advice on suitable pond plants, and to provide the plants. One pond has been completed and it is planned that the other will be tackled this summer.

The ponds are beneficial not only to wildlife and biodiversity, but also to members of the public who participate in activities at the Community Farm.  Additionally people with mental health problems are referred to the farm, and staff and students of local schools and further education colleges are Involved in activities at the farm.