A NATURE group has won an award for its ‘week of walks’ – despite stepping out during the wettest summer for 100 years.

The Dorset Flora Group, run entirely by volunteers, won the £250 Wessex Water Watermark Award in recognition of the hard work that went in to planning the week.

The walks took place in June and attracted residents and visitors to the county’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Robin Walls, chairman of the Dorset Flora Group, said: “Dorset is a county which is rich in wild flower habitats, and what better way to attract people of all ages to the variety and beauty of these areas then to go walking with them.”

The popular walking events have been running since 2009 and the group used their prize money to pay for promotional flyers.

Mr Walls added: “The weather was rather more challenging this year, but the walks continued regardless of the rain.

“We are delighted with the ongoing support from Wessex Water, which has enabled us to print coloured leaflets to promote the walks and which have undoubtedly led to them being so popular.”

The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. It is organised by the Conservation Foundation and, now in its 19th year, has supported more than 800 environmental initiatives.