A MAN enamoured by model villages is creating a map of ‘miniature Britain’ as part of a new website documenting the country’s microcosms.

As a child, Tim Dunn lived near the world’s oldest model village in Buckinghamshire – Bekonscot Model Village.

The attraction inspired the creation of a large model village in Christchurch called Tucktonia. Featuring British landmarks and a representation of London, it closed in 1986 after falling into disrepair.

Tim, who now lives in London, said his passion for model villages grew during visits to Tucktonia while staying with his grandparents.

But it was on Bekonscot’s 70th anniversary that he started wondering how many other model villages were left in the country.

His research has led to the discovery of many model villages past and present – one of which existed in the back garden of a tea room in Swanage during the 1950s.

“It was called Tinkleford,” Tim said, “and I discovered about it in a footnote in a 1950s Swanage guide book. I love the town and visit it regularly.

“This model village was quite remarkable. A couple of people have sent me postcards of it, but I’m hoping more people who have pictures or memories will get in touch with me.”

Part of Tim’s research has involved speaking to the creators of model villages and finding out the reasons they were built.

“I want to find out what motivated people to build these miniature landscapes. Some were built for commercial reasons, like Tucktonia, but a lot of them were built in people’s gardens for pure pleasure.

“People wanted to replicate the past without the damage of the present. It’s a way to reminisce, to be nostalgic.”

So far, Tim has discovered 120 model villages currently, or formerly, in existence – seven of these are in Dorset, with model villages in Wimborne and Corfe Castle still open to the public.

Tim said Wimborne was his favourite.

“It’s a wonderful place with a beautiful social conscience behind it as it’s run for charity,” he explained.

“There are lovely stories behind why some of these model villages have been created. There was one built by a man in Shaftesbury for his paralysed son.

"He couldn’t leave the house so his father created this entire model village as a way for his son to explore the outside world. Sadly, it got built over when the house was sold.

“These are the ones I’m more interested in now – the ones that have been spotted in front gardens or parks, not just the ones in guide books.”

Tim is asking anyone with memories or pictures of a model village to get in touch with him at modelvillages@timdunn.com or on Twitter @MrTimDunn.