Small tours at Careys Secret Garden have been taken to see Purbeck's famous ospreys at close quarters Empty nesters hope for return of Purbeck ospreys in 2024 Staff at a Purbeck nature reserve have waved off their most famous family on a trip fraught with danger to Africa. 15 hours ago
Time Team celebrated its 30th anniversary at Corfe Castle while digging for Iron Age and Roman remains Time Team digs for answers about Iron Age Purbeck One of Britain’s best loved TV series has taken up a three-day archaeology challenge near Corfe Castle in Dorset. 2 days ago
Corfe Castle Museum is open daily and is free to enter - but please leave a donation on the way out! Corfe Castle’s tiny museum gets massive makeover Dorset’s smallest museum, telling the story of Corfe Castle village, has a big future ahead of it following an 18-month revamp. 7 days ago
Agglestone Mire, Studland, was one of the biggest peat bogs in Purbeck and will soon be restored to its former glory For peat’s sake – Purbeck bogs to be rewet and restored A £1 million project to reinstate Dorset’s historic peatlands will start in autumn 2023 with half of the work taking place in Purbeck. 1 week ago
Sold to Swanage's crowdfunding community and saved for the town, a turnstile from the pier Campaign to save Swanage Pier turnstile hits target in days A crowdfunding campaign launched to save an historic cast iron turnstile from Swanage Pier in Dorset has reached its target inside three days. 1 week ago
The Studland fort where the liberation of Europe was planned in 1943 is opening for Heritage Days Spotlight on Studland’s Fort Henry over heritage week An important piece of World War Two history in Studland in Dorset, is to be shown off to the public as part of English Heritage’s week of open days. 2 weeks ago
Folk festival parade on Shore Road seafront Thousands enjoy Swanage Folk Festival despite sweltering heat Huge crowds thronged the seafront at Swanage in Dorset to watch the UK’s largest collection of Morris and folk dance sides on the hottest day of 2023 so far. 2 weeks ago
Edible crabs may have to learn how to share the Kimmeridge seashore with furrowed crabs as numbers of the new arrivals rise Invader crabs muscle their way onto Purbeck beaches A new species of crab to the Purbeck Coast is beginning to make itself at home among the rockpools - and may edge out the sitting tenants. 2 weeks ago
Andrea and her daughter Emily, who needs life changing treatment at a clinic in the USA £70,000 fundraiser to free brave Swanage teen from extreme pain When sporty Swanage teenager Emily McDonald went into hospital to have her appendix out, it led to a living nightmare. 2 weeks ago
Access to the top of Studland's Middle Beach is restricted while the area changes Demolition team to help Studland’s Middle Beach return to nature Diggers are all set to move in and break up the concrete base of the old Middle Beach cafe at Studland in Dorset, as the next step in returning the ... 3 weeks ago
Contemporary dance group Landance will perform free open air shows in Swanage Open air dance event to celebrate natural beauty of Swanage A contemporary dance company is to present two free open air performances in Swanage in Dorset to shed light on its natural beauty - and audiences will be at the ... 3 weeks ago
Actress Joanna Scanlan has backed RNLI safety advice that saved her life TV star backs RNLI campaign after terrifying ordeal at Durdle Door BAFTA winning actress Joanna Scanlan has spoken publicly for the first time about how she nearly drowned while swimming at Durdle Door in Dorset. 4 weeks ago
The green flag itself will fly over over Beach Gardens from a new flagpole Flagging up excellence at Swanage’s pitch perfect park Beach Gardens in Swanage in Dorset has proudly taken its place in a prestigious list of Britain’s best green spaces. 1 month ago
Karen Jackson's photo 'Rainbow' is one of seven local shots featured in a national magazine National magazine focuses in on Swanage photographers A friendly photographic club with an emphasis on making the most of the stunning Swanage and Purbeck scenery has been featured in a national magazine. 1 month ago
Studland playing field is about to have a new exercise park built, especially for the oldies Studland invests in outdoor gym for older people A new outdoor exercise park is about to be installed at Studland in Dorset aimed at helping adults and particularly the older generation to stay fit and healthy. 1 month ago
Swanage all weather lifeboat launches to help search for a missing person No rest after busy Lifeboat Week for Swanage crews After a busy lifeboat week, Swanage RNLI volunteers were hoping for an early night - until they were called on to help search for a missing person. 1 month ago
An outdoor screening of Jurassic Park took place on the prehistoric cliffs at Durlston Country Park Dino-mite movie night on Jurassic rocks at Swanage Purbeck Film Festival showed it is in no danger of becoming extinct with a special 30th anniversary showing of Jurassic Park on the Swanage cliffs where dinosaurs once roamed. 1 month ago
A family had a lucky escape from a blazing home in Steer Road, Swanage Swanage family have lucky escape from night time blaze A Swanage family had a lucky escape from their blazing home thanks to working smoke alarms which woke them up in the early hours. 1 month ago
They're off! Eight intrepid captains paddle their self built boats across Swanage Bay A boatiful end to a wonderful week for Swanage RNLI There was a splashing finale to Swanage RNLI’s Lifeboat Week when the annual build a boat competition and race drew a crowd of thousands to town. 1 month ago
Punch and Judy are a traditional part of a Swanage seaside holiday A sunny Swanage Bank Holiday? That’s the way to do it! Weather forecasts for a mini heatwave to end August 2023 have come as especially welcome news for one Swanage beach business. 1 month ago
FiFi's Fancy Dress shop in Institute Road - still turning heads after 47 years! Fancy that! FiFi’s repeats a Swanage window win from 1976 A nostalgic moment of inspiration has helped long established Swanage fancy dress shop FiFi’s to repeat a winning moment from nearly 50 years ago. 1 month ago
Swanage seafront from Gee Whites to Pierhead will be closed to road traffic during Lifeboat Week Road closure to trial a new traffic free section of Swanage seafront Another section of Swanage’s seafront will be closed to traffic during Lifeboat Week to see how pedestrianisation plans might work. 1 month ago
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance landed at King George's Playing Field in response to the emergency Tourist dies after medical emergency on Swanage beach A major emergency incident was sparked when a tourist died following a medical emergency in Swanage on Tuesday 15th August 2023. 1 month ago
Purbeck Cider Farm opened its gates for a new summer festival - Cider Sundae New summer festival ends appley for Purbeck Cider Despite a worrying weather forecast, the success of a new summer festival was one more reason to celebrate a successful year at Purbeck Cider. 1 month ago
Music by the sea concert Search for Swanage’s top talent to share stage with star band A competition for talented singers and songwriters will see the winner appear on the same Swanage stage as World Cup band Toploader this summer. 1 month ago
Rising BBC TV wildlife star Nadeem Perera will be star speaker at the Planet Purbeck 2023 festival TV wildlife star to headline Planet Purbeck festival Rising TV star Nadeem Perera will be the big draw at the 2023 Planet Purbeck Festival in Swanage when he fronts a celebration of local wildlife at The Mowlem. 2 months ago
Showjumping for dogs was a feature of the Margaret Green Country Dog Show at Church Knowle. Country dog show at Church Knowle is howling success Every dog had its day at the Margaret Green Country Show, at Church Knowle near Swanage, where unexpectedly good weather made it an event to remember. 2 months ago
Chococo has led the way for Purbeck in the Great Taste Awards for 2023 Sweet taste of success for Purbeck food and drink producers Top awards for great taste, dubbed the Oscars of the British food industry have been dished out to Purbeck companies. 2 months ago
Dorset Marine Police will patrol Swanage Bay and Studland this summer to reduce anti social behaviour on the water Marine police to tackle those waiving the rules in Swanage Bay More Dorset Police sea patrols are to take to the water around Swanage Bay this summer in an attempt to stop anti social behaviour on the waves. 2 months ago
The storm as predicted by the Met Office for early afternoon over Swanage Swanage bandstand centenary concert cancelled as storm sweeps in History has repeated itself almost 100 years to the day that Swanage Bandstand was first opened, as the worst summer storm in years has now forced its centenary celebrations to ... 2 months ago
Swanage Painting Club is back with its regular summer exhibition at the Catholic Church hall in Rempstone Road Visitors drawn to Swanage Painting Club’s latest exhibition The joy of art keeps bringing visitors back to Swanage Painting Club’s annual exhibition, almost 50 years after it first started. 2 months ago
Coombe Heath at Arne is both attractive and vulnerable to tourists BBC Springwatch boosts visitor numbers at RSPB Arne RSPB Arne has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of visitors since the BBC broadcast the wildlife show Springwatch from the nature reserve near Wareham in Dorset. 2 months ago
Wilkswood reggae festival Relive your youth at Langton’s ‘old skool’ rave with Judge Jules A dance festival of Nineties and Noughties club music is being held for the first time at Wilkswood Farm in Langton Matravers near Swanage.in Dorset. 2 months ago
Dr Steve Etches shows off the stomach stone fossil from Kimmeridge Kimmeridge stomach stone fossil sets world record A mysterious fossil found on Kimmeridge beach in Dorset has turned out to be a record breaking 150 million year old medical complaint. 2 months ago
A new BBC documentary will explore the death of Swanage teenager Gaia Pope-Sutherland Gaia Pope: Death of Swanage teenager to be explored by BBC documentary A major three-part documentary into the tragic death of Swanage teenager Gaia Pope is to be screened on the BBC. 2 months ago
Heralding Swanage Jazz Festival, a New Orleans style parade along the prom All that jazz makes welcome return to Swanage’s Sandpit Field The sounds of jazz swung back into Swanage as the annual summer festival of mellow melodies made a triumphant return to Sandpit Field after a five year absence. 2 months ago
Swanage WH president and Dorset archery champion Karen Corney (centre) shows off her trophies Fund raising summer fair is a first for Swanage WI A fund raising event on the seafront will be the first large fund raiser for Swanage WI - which had the bad timing to set up just weeks before a ... 3 months ago
Jurassic Swim Challenge organiser Rich Lloyd hopes to make his idea an annual Swanage festival Swanage Bay challenge may become annual festival A new community festival is set to be added to Swanage’s events calendar if the inaugural Jurassic Swim Challenge is a success. 3 months ago
The Regency Dental Practice in Swanage has recently gone private, though it does still have spaces for new clients Nearest NHS dentist for new Swanage patients is now Portsmouth Swanage and Purbeck is close to becoming a dental desert as access to a NHS dentist continues to get harder and the travelling distance gets longer. 3 months ago
A Saexia bowman practises at Durlston country park, keeping an eye on the sea for Viking invaders Swanage Saxons launch £100,000 plans for replica longboat The sight of a Saxon warship raising sail in Swanage Bay could become reality if the dream of Dark Ages expert Joe Roberts gets to see the light of day. 3 months ago
Inspector Ken Wharfe was personal protection officer to 'Purple Five Two' - the code name for Princess Diana Tales of Princess Di’s Purbeck visit to raise funds for dance school Princess Diana’s former bodyguard is to present an evening of his favourite memories at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset to raise money in memory of his aunt, local dance teacher ... 3 months ago
Durdle Door beach was empty but for a film crew as Netflix closed the sands to film a fantasy TV show. Durdle Door closed for filming star-filled Netflix show Visitors to Durdle Door in Dorset were turned away as the beach and car park were closed for the filming of a Netflix fantasy series. 3 months ago
Some 24,000 visitors enjoyed Tankfest 2023 at the Bovington Tank Museum French impound German tank heading for Tankfest at Bovington Near capacity crowds at Bovington in Dorset made the Tank Museum’s Tankfest 2023 the biggest and best yet - even if French border control did stop the star exhibit at ... 3 months ago
Fiona Bruce at Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow delights thousands as cameras roll in Swanage Television royalty Fiona Bruce has brought the BBC Antiques Roadshow to Swanage in Dorset for the first time ever in its 45 year history - and the town will feature ... 3 months ago
Seen from above, crowds streaming into Prince Albert Gardens for Swanage Fish Festival Fabulous fish festival confirms Swanage dates for 2024 Prince Albert Gardens was the plaice to be as Swanage Fish Festival was such a success that dates for a 2024 event have been confirmed already. 3 months ago
Dorset police's summer plan is set up to deal with a summer influx of thousands of tourists Police plan for summer tourist boom in Swanage and across Dorset Police presence is being heightened in Swanage and Purbeck ahead of an expected bumper summer of tourists in 2023. 3 months ago
Sea going pedal cars, the only ones of their kind in the UK, are proving very popular at Knoll Beach, Studland Pedal powered Porsches set to make a splash at Studland A Studland beachside business is about to expand the UK’s greenest fleet of company cars with the addition of four open top Porsches. 3 months ago
Police meeting in Swanage Swanage residents promised increased police presence in town The Dorset police and crime commissioner told a packed public meeting in Swanage that a manned police front desk will be reopened but he couldn't confirm a date. 3 months ago
The Squid Squad swimmers on a training session ahead of their 24-hour open sea swim fund raiser Swanage men aim to raise a few thousand squid for charity A gruelling challenge in Swanage Bay will see four friends attempt a 24-hour endurance swim which could set a European record. 4 months ago
Volunteers for Food For Thought Purbeck and FareShare get to work at the town's second mobile larder Food for thought as Swanage opens second mobile larder A second community larder has been set up in Swanage to tackle the dual issues of a war on food waste and the cost of living crisis. 4 months ago
A new business is to run snorkel sessions around Swanage Pier, tried out here by Heather Norman New snorkel school explores life under the sea in Swanage A new snorkelling school is opening in Swanage in time for World Ocean Day, to show children and adults the exciting underwater world that exists in the bay. 4 months ago
Theatre posters from the 1930s and neon signs from the 1960s have been unearthed at The Mowlem recently Newly discovered 1930s posters to jazz up Swanage’s Mowlem A treasure trove of theatre memorabilia has been found at The Mowlem and is about to play a part in brightening up the Swanage seafront showbar. 4 months ago
Swanage Fish Festival is coming back to Prince Albert Gardens with its panoramic views over Swanage Bay Back with a splash – Swanage Fish Festival returns for 2023 Swanage Fish Festival is all set to make a fintastic return to the town after a three year absence - and hopes to be bigger and better than before. 4 months ago
Mark Dowdell and Dorset Safari’s customised Land Rover Defender 110 Surrey couple ditch corporate life for Dorset safari venture A new Swanage company is gearing up for a busy summer offering a very different tourist experience - taking visitors on safari! 4 months ago
The King's militia men tried their best to protect Swanage from a pirate invasion 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. 4 months ago
Colonies of bees have suddenly started to swarm in Purbeck with the change in weather 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. 4 months ago
A plea to limit speeds in Langton MAtravers to 20 miles an hour have been passed by Dorset Council 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. 4 months ago
Purbeck fire crews had to deal with several devastating blazes in 2022 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. 4 months ago
Inshore lifeboat in Swanage Bay 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. 4 months ago
Christmas lights for 2022 in Station Road 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. 4 months ago
The artwork of a huge triceratops crafted by artist David Popa on the Jurassic Coast near Worth Matravers 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. 4 months ago
Classic cars parked outside Lulworth Castle for one of the most anticipated car shows of 2023 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. 4 months ago
More than 1,500 people wanted a home in the new Spyway Orchard affordable development in Langton Matravers 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. 4 months ago
Sally's Spooky Holiday will be the first show from Swanage based Honalee touring theatre company to play at The Mowlem 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. 4 months ago
The Waverley berths alongside Swanage pier in September 2022 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. 4 months ago
Ratty from The Wind In The Willows needs your help as a water vole warden 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. 4 months ago
Harry Warren House in Studland has been put on the market for a cool £5 million 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 ... 4 months ago
Purbeck's pair of ospreys sit on their nest built in woodland near Wareham 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. 4 months ago
Warning signs have been put up telling people to stay away from Sheps Hollow 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. 5 months ago
A fully equipped boxing gym has finally been built after a five-year planning battle 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. 5 months ago
The spectacle of the Tour of Britain cycle race won't be coming to Dorset in 2023 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. 5 months ago
British troops advance during a reenactment of the capture of Tiger tank 131 at Bovington Museum 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 ... 5 months ago
Kathy Bangle at Swanage Information Centre introduces the new Purbeck Pass loyalty card 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. 5 months ago
Come and join the picnic in the park at the old St Mark's school playing fields in Herston 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. 5 months ago
Tiny cameras on the Swanage Bay seabed have been filming the secret lives of the black bream fish 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. 5 months ago
Charlotte Clarke of Lulworth is on a 600km run to raise £60,000 for Help For Heroes 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. 5 months ago
Demolition work is under way at the old Middle Beach Cafe which closed in January 2023 after more than a century 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. 5 months ago
Popular Studland village is plagued by speeding cars 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. 5 months ago
Not even a hailstorm could stop Swanage's new ATM cash machine being installed 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. 5 months ago
Sustainable Wareham hopes to persuade families to visit Purbeck Heath this summer 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. 6 months ago
Dan Scott looks over Studland beaches, home to his outdoor adventure business 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. 6 months ago
The field in Church Knowle where the new affordable house will be built 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. 6 months ago
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. 6 months ago
The stage at The Mowlem 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. 6 months ago
They're on the move again, but Purbeck's hedgehogs need help to survive 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. 6 months ago
Dispersal work on the trapped oil was worked on by dozens through the day 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. 6 months ago
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee tea party in Swanage was on a scale unlikely to be repeated 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. 6 months ago
Claire Howitt and Charlie Howlett pick up the South West Tourism large attraction of the year award for Farmer Palmer's 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. 6 months ago
Welcome to Swanage - pin-up posters launch English Tourism Week in Purbeck 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. 6 months ago
Janna Edwards has organised a 20th anniversary exhibition at Durlston for 15 Days in Clay 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. 6 months ago
Electric cycles from Beryl bikes take to the roads at Studland for Easter 2023. 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. 6 months ago
Edgar Wright returned to the Mowlem for the first time in 41 years before becoming its patron 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. 6 months ago
One of Studland's spiny seahorses will be protected by the new eco moorings 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. 6 months ago
Wesley House, a former Victorian Chapel in Langton Matravers, is for sale at £1 million 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 ... 7 months ago
Hare coursing can take place at night or during the day and police teams are ready at all times to respond 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. 7 months ago
Sir David Attenborough begins his new series from Old Harry, Swanage 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. 7 months ago
Dancing Ledge viewed from the sea 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 7 months ago
Harlees fish and chip shops in Swanage have won a national award for their fish and chip experience 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. 7 months ago
Blue Touch are one of the acts appearing at The Mowlem's Showbar 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. 7 months ago
Ready for action - Wareham's three fire engines set to go 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. 7 months ago
Wareham Boat Hire sits on the banks of the River Frome 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. 7 months ago
Shell Bay has been quiet while the chain ferry wasn't running, but that won't last long 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. 7 months ago
The 400-year-old Anchor Inn has been saved from bankruptcy by beekeeping businessman Khalid Undre Historic Swanage pub saved from bankruptcy A London property developer with a passion for beekeeping has rescued the Anchor Inn in Swanage. 7 months ago
The German cruise ship AIDAbella will arrive in Portland on 7th March and offer steam trips from Corfe Castle to 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. 7 months ago
Queues to get into the museum for the first event of its centenary year were huge 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. 7 months ago
Swanage Bay aerial view 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. 8 months ago
Don’t expect a flat course – but do expect to see some of the most stunning views 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. 8 months ago
A round circular drainage gully defining the area of an Iron Age round house found at Arne Moor 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. 8 months ago
An important home to wildlife - Purbeck's hedges are being assessed for their health 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. 8 months ago
Beavers could be brought back to Studland within months 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 8 months ago
The Sandy Salt Pig will take over the cafe provision at Middle Beach Studland with an exciting new mission 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. 8 months ago
Part of the site at Godlingston Hill where overhead lines will be buried 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. 8 months ago
Venomous Portuguese men of war have been found washed ashore on Purbeck beaches 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. 8 months ago
The Blue Pool is transformed by light and music at the Illuminate event 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. 8 months ago
More than 1,000 properties in Swanage alone are now listed as second homes 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 ... 8 months ago
Oly Rush with some of the plastic netting rescued from Purbeck beaches 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 ... 8 months ago
Swanage Bandstand 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. 8 months ago
A birdseye view of the Arne site showing the path ofthe River Frome 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. 8 months ago
Chris Bradey (right) and Peter Jacobs with Swanage's new Mobile Larder 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. 9 months ago
At the water's edge, watching the changing colours of the blue pool 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. 9 months ago
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee tea party in Swanage was on a scale unlikely to be repeated 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. 9 months ago
Some of the 50 regular Sheddies at Durlston Country Park 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 ... 9 months ago
Wreck detectives Sheilah and Martin Openshaw discovered the secrets of the Worbarrow Messershmitt 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. 9 months ago
Identical twins Gary and Paul Hardy-Brown with pantomime rats Posh and Becks 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 9 months ago
First light over Studland Bay on the morning of the winter solstice 2022 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. 9 months ago
Alfie Moyer and school children 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. 9 months ago
West Lulworth House has a commanding view over the countryside 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. 9 months ago
Candles on Swanage beach in memory of friends and family who have passed on 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 10 months ago
Santa arrives on a lifeboat to light up Swanage Pier 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 10 months ago
A string of coloured lights along the sea front in 1934 sparked outrage 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. 10 months ago
Crowds of shoppers flocked to Swanage Christmas Market despite the cold and windy weather 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. 10 months ago
More than 30 Christmas trees have been decorated for the festival at Langton Matravers 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 10 months ago
Swanage CC members Craig Wells, Chris Wood and Natasha Norman receive the trophy from Nick Douch 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. 10 months ago
Swanage Town Council currently has just six charging points for electric cars 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 10 months ago
Donkeys 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. 10 months ago
Alania Lawton of Harmans Cross with son 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. 10 months ago
Drummer Lawrie Sandford is setting up a new samba band in Swanage 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 10 months ago
Middle Beach Cafe boss Paul Brown at Studland 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. 10 months ago
A friendly welcome as Chris Lewis, partner Kate Barron baby Magnus and Jet the dog arrive in Swanage 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. 10 months ago
A spiny seahorse in Studland Bay 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. 10 months ago
Corfe Castle Club steward Brian Chubby Varney is presented with a framed award for the best Wessex real ale club 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. 11 months ago
Seven huge sections of the Berlin Wall are now on permanent display at Carey's Secret Garden near Wareham 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. 11 months ago
Shoppers at Swanage Co-op have helped to raise £24,000 for local charities 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. 11 months ago
Swanage beach will be lit up by a thousand candles 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. 11 months ago
A World War 2 tank has been nearly destroyed at the bottom of Sandbanks Bay 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. 11 months ago
A nodding donkey oil pump at Kimmeridge 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. 11 months ago
The entrance to Carey's Secret Garden 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. 11 months ago
Station Road 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. 11 months ago
Doctor Who featured a regeneration scene set on top of Durdle Door 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. 11 months ago
Rachel Bright signing her new book 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. 11 months ago
Nicole Faraday won Best Actress award at the Marbella International Film Festival 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 ... 11 months ago
Swanage School students on Swanage Pier 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. 11 months ago
Founders of the Swanage Railway Society Andrew Goltz and John Sloboda at Corfe Castle 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. 11 months ago
Andrew Sinclair farmer with pumpkins at Lectenbury Farm 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. 11 months ago
Postmaster Liam Searle at the new Swanage Post Office premises 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. 12 months ago
Fund raiser Lorna Haines with signed skateboards at Swanage Skatepark 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. 12 months ago
Langton Matravers high street 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. 12 months ago
Swanage Library 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. 12 months ago
Steve Darrington is organiser of the Swanage Blues Festival 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. 12 months ago
Joe Hartle of the Purbeck Cider Company 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. 12 months ago
Tiny plastic pellets called nurdles are an almost invisible killer on sea shores 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. 12 months ago
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. 12 months ago
St James Church in Kingston sold for half a million at auction 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. 1 year ago
sea rowers rescuing two men on a paddleboard 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. 1 year ago
Kimmeridge pop up restaurant 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. 1 year ago
Britain's best loved mammal, the hedgehog 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. 1 year ago
Margaret and Peter Brayshaw at their platinum wedding anniversary with a card from the late Queen 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. 1 year ago
Escapeline poster 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. 1 year ago
Getting out into the garden at Planet Purbeck Festival 2021 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 ... 1 year ago
Book of Condolences in the priory Church of St Mary, Wareham 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.  1 year ago
Members and VIPs of Swanage Tennis Club line up at the new of their new Astro-Turf court 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 1 year ago