A memorial for the local men who lost their lives at war has a new home.

One of the projects undertaken by Bridport Heritage Forum to commemorate the centenary of The Great War, was the development of a wildflower meadow in Jellyfields Nature Reserve, Walditch. The meadow would be a living tribute to the men and boys of the town who lost their lives in the conflict and never returned to their home.

Thanks to the support of a range of sponsors, the meadow became a reality when it was planted in 2014 to mark 100 yeas since the start of the war.

Lots of volunteers helped to clear the topsoil before seeding the large space in Jellyfields.

Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark, said: "The results in the first year were fantastic and quite good the following year, but nettles and dock were encroaching.

"Despite hours of weeding, chopping down and digging, the dock took over and despite seasonal cutting by mechanical means, the Bridport Heritage Forum and people who helped plant and maintain the site could sadly only stand back and watch the flowers disappear."

Early this year, plans were made by Bridport Town Council to clear and re-plant an area of the garden at Mountfield to create a quiet, restful, community space near the Millennium Green.

The forum asked if part of this space could be used to develop a small 'meadow' which would contain the original memorial plaque and bench from Jellyfields. The plans were approved.

Words spoken by Sheila Meany, chairman of Bridport Heritage Forum, in 2014 about the original Wildflower Memorial Meadow remain true of the new site.

She said: "We wanted to have a memorial as a tribute to the people of that time, not only those who served overseas but those also at home.

"As the town already has a war memorial on South Street, we thought it would be nice to have a renewable memorial and the nature reserve here was perfect.

"We want the wildflower meadow to be a place of tranquillity and peacefulness where people can remember the sacrifices of those 100 years ago."

The hard landscaping was completed by the town council outdoor works team led by Daryl Chambers. Once it was completed, members of Bridport Heritage Forum started digging again and an initial planting has begun.

Cllr Bark added: "When I visited the newly planted memorial meadow, I was really impressed by how much work had already gone into making it, and it will only get better as the years go by.

"The rope topped path edges, a reflection of our town's heritage, are wide enough for wheelchairs and children's buggies, making it accessible to all.

"I stood for a few moments in the centre of the garden with a light drizzle descending on me and took in the view over the town and surrounding hills, and thought of those who had endured much, much worse, who sadly never saw their home and loved ones again.

"On Remembrance Sunday, poppies and a cross were added. A small but heartfelt tribute to the local men who lost their lives so far from home."

For more information about Bridport Heritage Forum, email Sheila Meaney on [email protected]