South western eco homes will be going on show again following a successful event in Dorchester. Last year Greendor, a not-for-profit project promoting green living, held a Open Eco Homes event in the county town and its success has prompted it to hold another on the weekend of September 14 and September 15. It is hoping to expand the area covered by the event beyond Dorchester to other parts of Dorset and wants to hear from anyone who has ‘greened’ their home and added eco-friendly features that could inspired others.

The Greendor project, which was developed from Transition Town Dorchester’s energy group, is keen to share learning about environmental improvements made to local homes such as installing and generating renewable energy, fitting secondary glazing, green construction and harvesting rainwater.

National research conducted by the Energy Saving Trust suggests that around one third of visitors to eco homes go on to take some action themselves, meaning anyone opening up their homes for the event will be inspiring others to help boost the local green economy and reduce Dorset’s carbon footprint.

More than 250 people visited last year’s event in Dorchester to see green features from draught proofing to solar panels at seven different homes. Sally Cooke from Greendor said: “Dorchester had a very successful weekend of visits to eco homes last year and we are hoping to repeat that success this year over a wider area.

“All our activities are aiming to help this area make the transition to a low carbon economy and way of living.”

For more information about the project visit greendor.wordpress.c om Visits over the weekend can be open or by appointment so home owners can remain in control.

Anyone interested in getting involved as a host or as a visitor is asked to contact Sally Cooke or Emily Bullock on 01305 267758 or 07794 432297 or email greendor2012@gmail.com