A generous donation will help the Golden Cap Estate to blossom.

The National Trust has welcomed a donation of £10,000 to plant and maintain two blossom hedges on the Golden Cap Estate.

It has been made possible thanks to a donation of £7,500 from the Golden Cap Association and was increased with a legacy of £2,500 from Derek Parsons, former chairman and president of the Golden Cap Association.

Over the next three years the National Trust is hoping to plant 1500m of native species blossom hedge, located along historic hedgerow boundaries on the coastal downland between Seatown and Eype.

Planting of the hedge began on Tuesday with volunteers from the association helping National Trust staff and volunteers.

Countryside manager Leo Henley Lock said: "We are delighted that this project has been made possible by the generous donation from the Golden Cap Association and the legacy left by the late Derek Parsons. Hedgerows form an important part of our landscapes, connecting habitats and wildlife, whilst playing an important role in mitigating the future impacts of climate change."

The hedge will form part of a network of hedges and will be planted with hardy, blossoming species such as blackthorn, hawthorn and crab apple and will be visible from neighbouring villages, the South West Coast Path and the A35 Dorset to Devon trunk road. A second hedge will be planted at Thorncombe Beacon.

Mike Nicks, chairman of the Golden Cap Society, said: "The committee and all the members of Golden Cap Association are delighted to donate £7,500 to the local area National Trust for the planting and maintenance of two blossom hedges on the Golden Cap Estate.

"I feel it incumbent on all of us to help in a practical and physical way to help slow down the rate of climate change, and along the way to help our wildlife, whether it be animals, birds, insects or flowers to flourish for years and centuries ahead.

"The legacy of £2,500 from Derek Parsons is a very welcome addition to the association's donation and I know how pleased his family are to support such a worthy and important cause which will also be enjoyed future generations."

The Golden Cap Association was founded to support the National Trust and offers a wide range of activities, including walks, illustrated talks and quizzes.

For more information, visit goldencapnt.org.uk

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