Author: Andrew Smith
Swanage Pirate Festival welcomes record crowds to town Batten down the hatches - Swanage has been overrun by pirates again for a good natured festival, which has attracted hundreds of landlubbers into town. 
Bee friendly as swarming season suddenly arrives in Purbeck Purbeck beekeepers are urging people not to panic if they encounter a swarm this spring - as the endangered insects need all the help they can get. 
Green light given to request for 20mph limit in Langton Matravers Plans for a 20 mile an hour speed limit through Langton Matravers have been approved after a long campaign by locals. 
Wildfire alert issued for Purbeck over bank holiday weekend Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service has declared an amber wildfire alert for Purbeck over fears of bank holiday barbecue blazes. 
Both Swanage lifeboats launched after multiple red flares fired Both of Swanage's lifeboats were launched when multiple red flares were fired out at sea. 
Christmas angels sought to help light up the streets of Swanage Swanage Chamber of Trade has appealed for a benefactor to cover the cost of extra Christmas lights in town for 2023. 
Roarsome dino art near Worth Matravers washed away by storms An amazing piece of art at a quarry near Worth Matravers, created for a David Attenborough TV show on dinosaurs, has been lost to the weather. 
Thousands roll up to enjoy classic cars at Lulworth Castle charity show A record breaking 4,000 people rolled up to support the Dorset Blind Association motor show at Lulworth Castle in perfect spring weather. 
Huge demand for affordable homes in Langton Matravers Hundreds of people vied for one of 28 affordable homes in a Purbeck village where the average house price is now £555,000. 
Promoting theatre in Swanage is child’s play for touring company A touring theatre company specialising in children's shows has just relocated to Swanage - and wants to help promote The Mowlem. 
Paddle steamer returns to Swanage after appeal keeps her afloat The paddle steamer Waverley will return to Swanage on eight days in September after a public appeal raised £180,000 to keep her sailing. 
Vole-unteers needed to monitor Ratty’s return to Purbeck Volunteer water vole wardens are being sought in Purbeck to confirm a theory that the endangered creature is staging a local recovery. 
Historic Studland home goes on the market for £5 million A National Trust property overlooking Studland Bay, which was used as a location for the BBC drama adaptation of Howards End, has been put up for sale for the first ... 
Chance to view Purbeck’s secret osprey nest sells out in hours Tickets for a guided tour to see the secret osprey nest near Wareham have sold out completely within four hours of going online. 
Warning as ‘significant’ Swanage landslip is still active A cliff fall in Swanage Bay caused by heavy spring rains could be a danger to beach users while still active, Swanage Coastguard has warned. 
Boxing gym finally opens in Corfe Castle after five year fight The battle to build a boxing gym in Corfe Castle in Dorset to give youngsters a sense of discipline, respect and purpose, has finally been won. 
Purbeck leg of cancelled £3 million cycle race may return in 2024 It’s been confirmed that the Tour of Britain bike race won't be rescheduled in Dorset this year - but there’s ongoing talks to bring it back for 2024. 
Tiger tank videos help Bovington museum roar to new YouTube record The Tank Museum at Bovington with half a million YouTube subscribers, is the first museum in the world to achieve 100 million views for its uploaded content, bringing in an ... 
New scheme to reward loyalty of shoppers in Swanage A loyalty card for Swanage called the Purbeck Pass is being launched to benefit shoppers and businesses through the year. 
Bank holiday picnic to chew over future of Swanage field Ideas for the future of a vital green space for Herston are being invited at a bank holiday picnic in the park. 
Secret lives of Swanage Bay black bream fish caught on camera Underwater cameras placed between Swanage and Kimmeridge have allowed a first glimpse into a secret world where male fish build nests and then protect thousands of eggs from enemies. 
Lulworth heart op hero Charlotte is raising £6,000 on the run Ultra runner Charlotte Clarke of Lulworth has set off on a 630 km run to raise money for Help for Heroes charity - despite heart surgery. 
Time’s up for Studland cafe as tide begins to reclaim Middle Beach A demolition team has started work to remove the iconic Middle Beach Cafe at Studland in Dorset, as the next phase of natural beach reclamation begins at the site. 
Safety fears grow in Studland as new crossing faces delays Delays in installing a pedestrian crossing in the heart of Studland due to the lack of funding have increased fears that a fatal accident will occur before action is taken. 
Swanage hails new cash machine at town centre Post Office Even a hail storm couldn't stop the installation of a new cash machine at Swanage's town centre Post Office bringing it closer to becoming a banking hub. 
Nature fair promotes the wilder side of Wareham A showcase for a natural alternative to bucket and spade beach holidays is to be held in Wareham to promote Purbeck. 
Studland adventure company forages ahead with new season An outdoor adventure company which began in Studland with just four kayaks and a hut, is back and bigger than ever for the new season. 
Family win approval for controversial self build in Purbeck village Unable to afford Purbeck house prices, a young couple have battled local opposition to build their own home on a field owned by relatives. 
Work starts to count the cost of oil spill in Poole Harbour Volunteers carried out an emergency survey of Poole Harbour, counting every bird to assess the damage caused by an oil spill from Wytch Farm. 
Take your seat to help secure The Mowlem’s future A huge £160,000 fundraising appeal to help ensure The Mowlem's future begins with a chance to sponsor a seat in the auditorium. 
Swanage looks for hedgehog heroes to beat prickly problem A meeting has been called in Swanage to help save the hedgehog as their numbers continue to plummet to critical levels. 
Wildlife fears spark frantic clean up of Poole Harbour oil leak Serious concerns are being raised about the long term health of wading birds and sea creatures after the Wytch Farm oil pipeline leak. 
Last call to throw a coronation street party as Swanage hesitates With only one road closure requested for a street party in Swanage to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, residents are being urged to apply before the deadline. 
Farm and fortune as Purbeck favourite scoops top tourism title Farm park attraction Farmer Palmer's near Wareham has won gold at the 2023 South West Tourism Awards. 
Pin-up posters launch tourism week in Swanage The drive to attract tourists to Swanage for the 2023 season has officially begun with a series of posters showing the best of what the town has to offer. 
Seed of an idea blooms at Durlston art exhibition An arts project which was expected to run for just 15 days is to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a major exhibition at Durlston in Swanage. 
Beryl bike hire scheme rolls out across Studland In a bid to encourage more to explore Purbeck by bike, the cycle hire company has arrived in Studland in Dorset. 
Swanage born Hot Fuzz film director becomes patron of The Mowlem An award winning UK film director has been revealed as the first ever patron of the Swanage theatre in Dorset after a chance meeting in his home town. 
Thousands raised for more eco buoys to save Studland’s seahorses Another 22 eco buoys will be installed in Studland Bay after a 'phenomenal' £66,000 was raised in just a few months. 
Converted church boosts £1m Purbeck house market Chance to buy a piece of ecclesiastical history at Langton Matravers for Easter as a former Wesleyan church swells the record number of million pound properties up for sale in ... 
Rural crime police team investigates hare coursing in Purbeck Dorset Police' rural crimes team dealt with nine incidents of hare coursing in February 2023 including some in Purbeck. 
Still rocking it at 96, Sir David opens his last BBC series at Old Harry Sir David Attenborough will open his final BBC series from Old Harry to celebrate the best of British natural history. 
Inquest jury to look at coasteering safety after Purbeck death A jury will scrutinise safety rules for coasteering after the death of a man who drowned off Dancing Ledge near Swanage in 2019 
Swanage fish and chip chain hooks top UK title You'd batter believe it - Comedian Jason Manford has presented a top prize to a fish and chip business with two shops in Swanage. 
Swanage Blues Festival joins forces with The Mowlem For the first time in its 22 year history., the Swanage Blues Festival is finally to collaborate with The Mowlem. 
Wareham station gets a rebuild as call goes out for new firefighters A Purbeck fire station dating back to 1965 is getting a 21st Century makeover as it looks to attract a new generation of recruits. 
Purbeck boat hire business to expand despite opposition A business owner has praised Dorset councillors for ‘seeing sense’ after unexpectly allowing him to build larger premises within Wareham's conservation area. 
Studland dog walkers asked to keep their distance to save rare birds More awareness of wading birds and their habitat along the Studland peninsula is being urged, to help protect the overwintering visitors. 
Historic Swanage pub saved from bankruptcy A London property developer with a passion for beekeeping has rescued the Anchor Inn in Swanage. 
Purbeck day trips back on itinerary for cruise ship tourists Visitor attractions in Purbeck including Swanage, may benefit as cruise ships start to arrive in pre-Covid numbers at Portland in Dorset. 
Tank Museum in Bovington hosts model show to mark 100 years A hundred years after the author Rudyard Kipling first suggested creating a display of tanks, thousands of people visited the museum in Bovington. 
Second home tax in Dorset may fund new affordable housing Plans to double council tax bills for second home owners in Dorset have taken a further step forward. 
Ultra Jurassic Coast challenge to attract 3,000 competitors Starting in Corfe Castle and heading through Swanage, a 100 km challenge is to return to Purbeck for the keenest of runners. 
Major dig for Roman and Iron Age artefacts to start in Purbeck Archaeologists are to begin a three-year dig at Arne Moor in search of evidence of Iron Age and Roman settlements there. 
Great big campaign to restore hedgerows across Purbeck begins The most ambitious survey ever of the network of hedgerows from Swanage to Wareham has started, as part of the Great Big Dorset Hedge project. 
Beaver scheme for Studland could become reality in months Beavers could soon be reintroduced to Purbeck for the first time in 400 years after expert evidence was presented to MPs at Westminster 
New Salt Pig eatery in Studland replaces old Middle Beach cafe Following the controversial closure of Middle Beach cafe by the National Trust, a new venture has been set up nearby - The Sandy Salt Pig. 
Power lines to be buried to restore beauty spot near Swanage Overhead electricity lines in Ulwell, Swanage, are being buried underground as part of a £15 million scheme to make the scenery more beautiful. 
Watch out for ‘floating terrors’ washing up on Purbeck beaches Walkers along the Purbeck Coast, especially those with dogs, are being warned to look out for a venomous sea creature washing up on shore. 
Splash of colour at Blue Pool returns to illuminate Purbeck attraction Last year’s sell-out sound and light show is back for 2023 at Blue Pool near Wareham with more music and plenty of dazzling colour. 
Dorset Council set to double council tax for second home owners Second home owners who don’t let out their property for more than 70 days a year in Swanage and across Dorset, face paying twice the amount of council tax from ... 
From coast to coaster – how Oly is tackling Purbeck’s plastics problem Long distance swimmer and environmentalist Oly Rush has come up with an inventive way to deal with the tons of plastic rubbish which washes up along Purbeck’s Jurassic Coast every ... 
Swanage Bandstand to mark 100th birthday as friends charity disbands Swanage Bandstand will celebrate its centenary with a special concert, just as the charity which rescued it from ruin closes down. 
Hundreds of acres in Purbeck to be flooded to save Poole property Fields to the east of Wareham will be deliberately flooded over the next three years to create a new 500 acre nature reserve for wading birds. 
Mobile larder launched in Swanage to combat cost of living crisis A new mobile pantry has launched in Swanage to help tackle the growing issue of food insecurity in the town. 
Take the plunge at Blue Pool thanks to new wedding licence Couples who got engaged over Christmas and the New Year have a new venue in Purbeck to consider in 2023. What happened in Swanage this year? Review of the year 2022 As some kind of normality returned to Swanage and Purbeck in 2022, we look back at the top stories of the year. 
Ready Sheddies go for Durlston expansion in 2023 A pioneering project set up at Durlston Country Park in Swanage to help people with disabilities or mental health issues has been so successful that it’s ready to expand in ... 
Divers uncover secrets of WW2 plane found in sea off Purbeck coast Wreck detectives have finally uncovered the secrets of a Nazi plane at the bottom of Worbarrow Bay. 
Purbeck company sees business boom over panto season Twin brothers from Wareham are responsible for putting the magic into no fewer than 30 major UK stage productions this Christmas 
Studland’s winter solstice magic made more accessible to everyone Thanks to a new countryside mobility scheme, more people than ever can experience the winter solstice sunrise at Old Harry Rocks. 
From Swanage to Serengeti, Alfie has new driving ambition Former Swanage student says he's found his calling in life at a preschool in Africa, and is now fundraising for a new bus. 
Lulworth hotel unexpectedly goes on market for £2.2 million A Victorian hotel just a stone’s throw away from Lulworth Cove has been put up for sale by its owners. 
First Candles on Swanage Beach event is shining success The spectacular sight of Swanage Beach lit up with candles to remember loved ones looks set to become an annual event due to its popularity 
Santa arrives by lifeboat to light up Swanage Pier Swanage Pier has been illuminated by more than a thousand lights as it reopened following the last stage in its £2.8 million renovation programme - WATCH VIDEO 
Swanage’s love-hate affair with tourism explored by new book A 1934 photo of the scandalous fairy light incident in Swanage could illuminate the town's love-hate affair with tourism, a new book claims. 
Swanage Christmas Market bids to expand as popularity grows Swanage Christmas Market may get bigger and better from next year as organisers begin talks to close a second road to accommodate more stalls. 
Record number of entries for Purbeck Christmas Tree Festival It’s the season to be jolly at St George’s Church in Langton Matravers, where a festive winter wonderland of Christmas trees go on display - SEE PHOTOS 
Swanage Cricket Club comes top of the league for community spirit Members of Swanage Cricket Club were bowled over with pride after being presented with a prestigious sporting trophy. 
Surge in electric cars could lead to £1 million charge for Swanage A rapid move towards electric cars could lead to a shocking £1million charge for Swanage Town Council by 2030 
Donkeys on Swanage Pier for Christmas When Santa visits Swanage Pier in the run-up to Christmas, he will have some extra help from his donkey friends. 
New parents urged to join Swanage study to beat ‘silent killer’ Mums and dads in Purbeck are being urged to enrol their young babies in a ground breaking study at Swanage Medical Practice. 
Lawrie drums up support for new Swanage samba band Music master Lawrie Sandford hopes to bring some Brazillian warmth to winter nights in Swanage by starting up a local samba drum band 
National Trust to demolish Studland beach cafe due to coastal erosion Climate change has been blamed for the decision to permanently close a beach cafe which has been a vital part of Studland for 120 years. 
Warm Swanage welcome for the former Para who’s raised £300,000 Swanage has given a hero’s welcome to a former paratrooper on an 8,500 mile charity walk around the entire UK coastline. 
New research claims eco moorings could save Studland’s seahorses A new type of boat mooring in Studland Bay could be the key to protecting seagrass – the essential habitat for seahorses - according to university researchers. 
Corfe Castle Club regains top title after two difficult years Real ale fans at the Corfe Castle Club have raised a toast to their bar which has been declared the best in Wessex - again. 
Berlin Wall is rebuilt in Purbeck forest as symbol of hope Seven huge sections of the Berlin Wall have been rebuilt in a Purbeck forest as a moving tribute to the fight against oppression. 
Swanage shoppers co-operate to raise bumper payout for charity An impressive £24,000 has been handed out to three local good causes by the Swanage Co-op. 
Thousand candles to light up Swanage Beach for loved ones A hospice care charity is organising a festival of lights on Swanage Beach to reflect, celebrate and remember everyone we love and care about. 
WW2 Valentine tank damage in Studland Bay prompts police inquiry Dorset Police are investigating the near destruction of a World War Two Valentine tank at the bottom of Studland Bay. 
Kimmeridge oil well to stop contentious burning of waste gases A controversial gas flare which burns off methane along the World Heritage coastline at Kimmeridge could be extinguished within three months. 
Purbeck secret garden seeks official status as visitor attraction A retrospective planning permission application has been submitted by the owner of a once derelict Victorian walled garden near Wareham. 
Swanage to pilot scheme to improve access to cash after bank closures An action group made up of financial institutions and consumer groups has visited Swanage to work out a plan to ensure the town still has a guaranteed supply of cash. 
BBC faces Lulworth ban after Doctor Who ‘deceit’ at Durdle Door The BBC may be banned from filming at Lulworth Cove again after it was accused of irresponsibility by showing Doctor Who regenerating on top of Durdle Door. 
Top author from Wareham gives boost to local library Successful children’s author Rachel Bright has cleared a space in her busy autumn diary to support Wareham Library. 
Swanage star charged extra to take home Best Actress award Swanage actress Nicole Faraday has picked up the biggest award of her life at an international film festival - and was promptly charged excess baggage fees to bring it back ... 
Swanage students open a new art trail to celebrate the pier’s past Art students have helped create a new interactive arts trail on Swanage Pier, linking the heritage of the town's tourism with its industrial past. 
Swanage Railway marks 50 years of battling to restore branch line Two rail enthusiasts who started the fight in 1972 to save Swanage Railway, returned 50 years later to pay tribute to all the volunteers. 
Purbeck farmer expands pick your own pumpkin to meet growing demand There’s no trick about the latest treat from a Purbeck fruit farm - pick your own pumpkin month at Lenctenbury Farm, near Corfe Castle, has become a screaming success. 
New Swanage Post Office opens on time despite Liam’s cancer setback Postmaster Liam Searle has managed to open Swanage’s new Post Office on schedule, despite having to beat off a dangerously aggressive cancer at the same time. 
Top Swanage fundraiser achieves her half pipe dream One of the best half pipe ramps in southern England has been unveiled at Swanage Skatepark thanks to the impressive determination of Swanage resident Lorna Haines. 
Purbeck village set to be among first in Dorset to apply for 20 mph limit Campaigners in Langton Matravers near Swanage are all geared up to permanently lower the speed through the centre of the village to 20 mph. 
New consultation on future of Swanage Library Dorset Council is undertaking a second consultation on the future for libraries in its area including Swanage, with the promise that closing them isn't part of the plan. 
Swanage festival is best value in UK as entrance fee stays at 2012 price The best-value entrance ticket in live music events anywhere in the UK has just gone on sale in Swanage - and it hasn’t risen in cost since 2012. 
Purbeck Cider Company back from the brink of disaster Two years after fearing his business wouldn’t survive, founder of Purbeck Cider Company Joe Hartle is now looking to expand. 
Kimmeridge nurdle hunt to help save Purbeck’s sea life The Wild Seas Centre at Kimmeridge is highlighting the threat of tiny bits of plastic called nurdles that end up on our beaches. 
Studland Master of Wine toasts new chapter for Purbeck U3A The first in-person guest speaker after lockdown for Purbeck University of the Third Age was an expert in wine. 
Kingston’s old church finally sells at auction for half a million pounds The former church in Kingston near Swanage with spectacular views of Corfe Castle, has finally sold at auction after an earlier million pound deal fell through. 
Swanage sea rowers rescue paddle boarders in trouble Two men fishing in Durlston Bay on a paddle board with no phone, radio nor lifejackets, were lucky to be spotted by a crew from Swanage Sea Rowing Club. 
Pop-up restaurant at Kimmeridge gets two years to prove itself Despite a recommendation to turn down the scheme, an alfresco restaurant along the Purbeck coastline has been given temporary permission to operate. 
Mystery surrounds why there’s so few hedgehogs in Swanage A new map shows that Swanage has some of the lowest numbers of hedgehogs anywhere in Dorset. 
Swanage couple get a final platinum anniversary card from the Queen One of the very last royal platinum anniversary cards from Queen Elizabeth II has been received by a Swanage couple. 
Swanage safe haven scheme in fightback against drug gangs Blue ‘S’ posters have begun appearing in shops and businesses throughout Swanage indicating safe places for children to go if they feel threatened. 
Planet Purbeck to run a ‘fitting’ festival to honour the Queen Events at the Planet Purbeck Festival on the day of the Queen's funeral have been cancelled - but most of what's planned for the 10 day eco festival will still ... 
Purbeck marks King’s accession as tributes continue for the Queen In Wareham and Corfe Castle, events took place to mark the accession of King Charles III, while mourning for the Queen continued. 
Fundraisers rally round to serve up new court for Swanage Tennis Club A new Astro-Turf court at Swanage Tennis Club is a smashing new hit, according to delighted club members