SAY hello to Dorset's newest Site of Special Scientific Interest - a farm where some of the UK's most important fungi grows and which is one of only two in the country to receive the special designation this year.

Down Farm, an eight hectare site near Beaminster, is home to a nationally important assemblage of grassland fungi, in particular a rich variety of waxcaps and clubs, corals and spindles.

Andrew Smith, Natural England’s area manager for Dorset, said: "This designation is a reflection of how rare and special Down Farm is as a place for nature.

"The traditionally managed hay meadows support a rich flora. In spring there are thousands of the much-declined green-winged orchid. In autumn, the grasslands are equally colourful and spectacular with fungi."

He said Natural England was delighted to recognise the owner’s good work and looked forward to 'this spectacular place being cherished long into the future'.

"We are grateful to the owner of the meadows and to our partners who have worked with us to establish this designation," he added.