Author: James Moules
Fundraising appeal to restore Wareham Forest raises £45,000 Work to regenerate Wareham Forest from the devastation of last year’s fire is now underway, nearly a year since the blaze, following a successful fundraising appeal. 
TankFest at Bovington to go ahead despite delay due to Covid The Tank Museum has recruited a corps of top experts to speak at its annual TankFest and tickets go on sale from today. 
Swanage beachgoers warned of “treacherous sea conditions” by RNLI The RNLI has issued a safety warning along the South West coastline for this weekend, as a strong easterly wind is expected to bring large waves and unusually strong swells ... 
Second Amber wildfire warning issued for Dorset within a month A severe lack of rain for April and the resulting extremely dry heathland across Purbeck, has led to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service placing the county under an ... 
Stellar year for Purbeck stargazers as survey shows light pollution reduction Stargazers across Purbeck contributed to a nationwide star count that suggested a drastic fall in light pollution during the coronavirus lockdown. 
Police warning after youths caught on Wool train tracks Youths who were caught trespassing on the railway tracks at Wool train station have been issued with “stern words” by Purbeck Police. 
Local election candidates announced The names of those standing for election in the Swanage Town Council by-election and as Dorset’s next police and crime commissioner have been confirmed. 
Jurassic Coast fossil museum hosts Mary Anning conference An event to honour the legacy of Dorset fossil collector, Mary Anning has been organised by The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge near Swanage, 
Swanage Railway puts fundraiser back on track with new behind the scenes video Volunteers from Swanage Railway are aiming to raise £65,000 by the summer to help fund a new carriage storage shed, and have released a new video offering trackside footage of ... 
Swanage Lifeboat crew rescues 24’ yacht near Durlston Head Swanage’s all weather lifeboat was called away from a training exercise to help a yacht in trouble near Durlston Head. 
Trailer and quad bike stolen in separate thefts in Purbeck Dorset Police are appealing for information following two thefts that happened within five days - the latest in Corfe Castle and the other in the Swanage area. 
Swanage to feature in TV programmes to celebrate Easter Filming has been taking place in Swanage, including St Mary’s Church, for Christian broadcaster TBNUK. 
Swanage firefighters rush to take on late night chimney blaze Swanage firefighters tackled a “difficult” chimney fire in south Swanage in the dead of night. 
Swanage sailors awarded medals for 20 years of lifeboat service Two Swanage Lifeboat crew volunteers are celebrating 20 years of service to the RNLI - both before they even hit the age of 40. 
Fraudster jailed for conning elderly following Dorset Council prosecution Swanage residents are being warned to be vigilant of scam traders following the sentencing of a man who conned the elderly and vulnerable. 
Barn owls up for adoption to help stem their decline in Dorset Residents are being offered the chance to adopt a barn owl to help protect the “enigmatic, majestic” birds - and experience a “moment with nature” through the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s ... 
Firefighters extinguish chimney blaze in Purbeck Wareham and Poole firefighters were called into action to put out a chimney fire in East Stoke, near Wareham. 
Solar panel initiative launched for Swanage residents People in Swanage are being encouraged to boost their eco credentials by signing up to the town’s new solar panel project. 
Action taken in Swanage against abandoned cars As part of an enforcement operation, a team from Dorset Council has targeted abandoned vehicles in towns across the county, including Swanage. 
Swanage Town Council seat up for election in May A Swanage Town Council ward election is set to go ahead following the passing of a “generous” and “respectful” councillor. 
Swanage RNLI goes to aid of seasick sailor The first shout of the month for the Swanage Lifeboat crew was to assist a yacht crew member who was feeling unwell. 
Work to restart on new Swanage Railway rolling stock shed Construction of a new carriage storage shed had to be halted at the start of lockdown but now volunteers are hoping to raise £65,000 to get the project back on ... 
Dorset National Park proposal would “enhance” Purbeck says CPRE The creation of a Dorset National Park would give a boost to protection of Purbeck’s countryside, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has said. 
Swanage man jailed for possession of illegal drugs with intent to supply A Swanage man has been jailed for two years and nine months after being caught in possession of Class A and B drugs. 
Strong winds set to pummel Swanage as weather warning issued Swanage residents should brace for blustery gales as strong winds are set to pound the country over the next couple of days. 
Recruitment drive in Purbeck for more on-call firefighters Amid a shortage of staff, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service is calling for more local people, to become on-call firefighters. 
Green light for Swanage Railway as lockdown lifts The sound of the steam train whistle will reverberate through the town again soon, as Swanage Railway prepares to resume services as lockdown eases. 
Bovington’s Tank Museum set to reopen in May but sad it’s not sooner The Tank Museum says it’s disappointed not to be opening in April 2021 alongside non-essential shops but, as long as the Prime Minister’s roadmap stays on track, it’s gearing up ... 
Purbeck Police fine quad bike owners “destroying” land Covid fines have been issued to a group of people who were reportedly damaging a field on quad bikes - while also breaching lockdown. 
Big cash boosts for Purbeck community hubs Two Purbeck organisations are set to receive an injection of cash from Dorset Council as part of a grant scheme to support our cultural and community centres in Dorset. 
Ban on barbecues put on back burner by Dorset Council A Dorset Council committee has recommended not to impose an outright enforceable ban on disposable barbecues across its land. 
Lulworth Estate demands better manners from visitors this summer Amid the easing of lockdown, Lulworth Estate is petitioning the government to insist that holidaymakers “respect” the countryside in a bid to avoid last year's trouble. 
Free PPE for Swanage’s unpaid carers Dorset Council is now providing those with caring responsibilities access to free masks, aprons, face shields and gloves. 
No roadmap to Swanage for tourists until after Easter Swanage’s tourism sector won’t be back in action until well after Easter under the four step plan out of lockdown. 
Solar panels project set to launch in Swanage It’s hoped that Swanage’s green credentials are set to grow with the launch of a new solar panels scheme. 
Purbeck Police appeal after suspected stolen tools found Purbeck Police have found a set of tools at Lytchett Matravers - and are now asking for anyone whose tools have been stolen in the area recently to come forward. 
Purbeck Police appeal after 38 lambs stolen from field Following the theft of 38 lambs in the Wareham area, Purbeck Police are appealing for information. 
Swanage seafront hit by large waves and flying sea foam Residents are being warned to stay well back from the seafront as large waves strike Swanage’s coastline - SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO 
As half term holiday looms, authorities warn against travel to Dorset Dorset Police have revealed that they’ve issued more than a thousand fixed penalty notices since the start of the pandemic, amidst a stern warning to “explore from your door”. 
Dorset Police planning for more tourists than last year after “scary” Lulworth Preparations have already begun for a surge of beachgoers in Dorset when this latest lockdown is lifted, following the chaos of last summer. 
Swanage stargazers urged to take part in star counting survey With light pollution an increasing environmental issue, residents are being asked to help assess the extent of the problem in Purbeck. 
Luxury Purbeck self-catering business “overwhelmed” to win tourism award Amid a difficult year, several local businesses have been honoured at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2020/21. 
“Enormous waves” and flooding over wet weekend in Purbeck Warnings to check tides and take care by the sea and near rivers in Purbeck, after people got into trouble at Lulworth, Portland and at East Holme. 
RSPB Arne urging residents to join in Big Garden Birdwatch This weekend it’s the annual RSPB nationwide bird survey and Swanage residents are being invited to record the local birdlife in Swanage and the surrounding area. 
Dorset Police warn of scam Covid vaccine emails Swanage residents have reported receiving scam emails offering vaccines - and Dorset Police are urging people to watch out for these fraudulent messages claiming to offer it for a charge. 
#Willdoes, Rotary and children’s charity get grants from Swanage Town Council Local good causes have been awarded grants by Swanage Town Council to help with their charitable work. New questions on gender and military service in Census 2021 Swanage residents will be asked to fill in the once-a-decade survey of households this March 2021. 
Swanage webcams – ‘visit’ Swanage during lockdown The Covid pandemic means many aren't able to visit Swanage as normal but everyone can stay at home and see what’s going on via the webcams. 
Beware of icy roads as wintery weather set to hit Purbeck Swanage and Purbeck residents should take extra care on the roads as frosty conditions are forecast for the south west of England. 
Lockdown beat for the police across Purbeck Officers from Purbeck Police have continued their patrols during the coronavirus lockdown, checking in at beauty spots across the area. 
Storm Christoph: Swanage set for heavy rain as warning issued Another good reason to stay at home as a spell of wet weather is forecast by the Met Office across Dorset - along with a risk of flooding. 
Polling stations to be ‘Covid secure’ for May local elections Swanage voters are being reassured that safety measures are being put in place to allow local elections to go ahead in 2021 
Tank back on track after repair appeal hits fundraising target Thanks to the generous donations, one of the Tank Museum’s most iconic vehicles will be able to get back into action again. 
Purbeck Police appeal after damage to protected land in Swanage Following reports of criminal damage to protected land in Swanage, the police are asking for anyone with information to come forward. 
Membership drive by Dorset Wildlife Trust after year of loss With 2020 tarnished by Purbeck’s devastating Wareham Forest Fire, the Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting new members to sign up in the new year for a discounted price. 
Beware: Scam texts promising vaccine Swanage residents should remain alert for fraudulent texts claiming to offer the Covid-19 vaccination. 
Keeping most services running through lockdown says Dorset Council As Swanage settles in for another pandemic-necessitated lockdown, Dorset Council has released a list of its services, detailing what’s open, what’s shut and what is continuing but with restrictions. 
Sweet gesture by The Mowlem Swanage’s theatre, The Mowlem has decided to share some of its tasty treats, after it was forced to close once again due to the coronavirus lockdown. 
Horse injured and rider thrown off in dog attack in Purbeck Dorset Police are appealing for information after a dog attacked a horse in Purbeck, leading to its rider to be thrown off. 
Warning after battery starts fire at Dorset Council depot Dorset Council is warning residents not to put batteries in bins after one caught fire at a council waste depot - SEE VIDEO. 
It’s a new dawn – here are some of 2020’s most stunning Swanage sunrises 2021 is here - and a new and hopefully brighter dawn is rising over Swanage, Dorset and the rest of the world. 
Many Swanage residents split between tiers as stricter Covid restrictions announced Dorset Council area is moving to tier three, while BCP council area, with its higher number of cases, is moving to tier four. 
New legal backing for dog rules in Dorset Swanage dog owners must take note that a new legal framework around dogs in public spaces will come into force in the new year. 
Hunt for Christmas presents, elves and bunnies on magical festive trails Families heading out for a socially distanced stroll over the holiday season in Purbeck will find many events have been cancelled due to Covid but outdoor festive children's trails are ... 
Landslip warning along Swanage coastline following wet weather Swanage Coastguard is asking walkers to take care around the coastline due to the current risk of landslips. 
Churchill needs your help – Tank Museum’s plea to restore iconic tank The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset is asking for help to fix a historic tank after it suffered a major mechanism failure. 
Storm Bella: Weather warnings as wind and rain set to sweep Swanage Swanage residents should brace themselves for the elements as Storm Bella hits the country. 
Dorset Police are asking residents to help find owner of memorial stones The two memorial-style stones, that are believed to have been stolen, were discovered in a property in Bournemouth, not far from Swanage. 
Discover Swanage Pier’s amazing wildlife in new exhibition Swanage Pier is offering a rare glimpse of life under its waves with an underwater photography exhibition. 
Swanage Christmas bin collection changes and a chance to help charity too! Christmas festivities are nearly upon us - but Dorset residents should make note of the new dates for the refuse and recycling collections over the coming days. 
Cyclist knocked off bike by pick-up truck near Wool A man on his bike was hospitalised following a collision with a trailer being towed by a truck that failed to stop. 
Coastguard helicopter and Swanage RNLI investigate mysterious drifting boat Swanage Lifeboat was deployed alongside a coastguard helicopter to investigate a boat that appeared to have no one on board. 
Dorset stays in Tier 2 as hospitals remain under pressure The whole of Dorset will remain under Tier 2 Covid restrictions amid concerns about the level of coronavirus cases in the area. 
Swanage Mayor backs plan to breathe fresh life into The Mowlem Swanage’s mayor has voiced his full support for a regeneration of the town’s iconic Mowlem theatre. 
Runaway success means new trips added for Swanage Railway’s ‘Steam and Lights’ Due to “unprecedented” demand, Swanage Railway is adding an extra date by opening up bookings for New Year’s Eve. 
“Drop in and pick up” free coats and PJs for kids in Swanage Parents in need of coats and pyjamas for their children are invited to stop by Swanage Children’s Centre to collect clothing to keep their kids warm through the bleak winter ... 
Swanage Pier Christmas tree filling with baubles for loved ones A family who’s donated the Christmas tree on Swanage Pier in memory of their mum, is urging others to hang baubles on the tree in memory of their own lost ... 
Big boost for Purbeck’s heathland as it gets large government grant Heathland across Purbeck is set for a regeneration drive after Dorset secured more than three quarters of a million pounds in government funding. 
Chance to support Swanage RNLI crew taking part in Reindeer Run Swanage lifeboat team members are ‘dashing through the snow’ this Christmas to raise money to help save lives at sea. 
Ancient ‘Sea Dragon’ discovered on the Purbeck coastline A Dorset fossil hunter has found the remains of a new type of prehistoric sea dragon on a Purbeck beach. 
It’s all-white in Swanage as fog sets in Swanage woke up to a sea of fog as the Met Office issued a weather warning and heavy mist made travel difficult. 
Bank closures and Covid make managing finances difficult in Dorset Citizens Advice is warning that Dorset’s rural communities have been hit hard by bank closures - especially in the wake of the coronavirus lockdowns. 
Sea swimmers warned to “respect the water” this winter Following the drowning of a man in Studland Bay and the sudden increased popularity of swimming in the sea this year, the RNLI is warning of the dangers of cold ... 
Free parking on offer in Dorset as Christmas shopping season begins As Christmas 2020 draws ever nearer, shoppers can enjoy free parking on certain days in Dorset Council car parks. 
Check which Purbeck roads are getting gritted, as it starts to get icy With winter and frosty mornings on their way, Dorset Council has initiated a new approach to gritting and Swanage residents can check online which roads have been treated and when. 
Coats for kids – help keep Swanage’s children warm over winter Swanage residents are being asked to go through their cupboards and donate children’s winter coats and warm pyjamas to help families who are struggling at the end of a tough ... 
Santa is coming to town – find out when he will be in your road! A global pandemic will not stop Father Christmas from coming to Swanage, Corfe Castle and Langton Matravers to celebrate Christmas this year. 
Art auction aims to help the homeless through the winter months Purbeck artists are reuniting to help Dorset’s rough sleepers this Christmas following a successful charity art auction in the summer. 
Cause of huge bin lorry fire at Dorset Council depot revealed A fire that ravaged a bin lorry depot and was tackled by fire crews from across Dorset, including Swanage, was most likely started by an electrical fault, although a lightning ... Dorset Police to reveal what goes on in their ops room To give residents an insight into the workings of Dorset Police, the force is going to share details of the calls they receive in real time over a 12 hour ... 
Surge in Swanage lifeboat calls during summer following lockdown The RNLI has released data showing that Swanage Lifeboat Station had to cope with a 69 percent increase in callouts over the summer in 2020 compared to 2019. 
Fines issued for lockdown breaches as Dorset Police launches Covid patrols Dorset Police says it has issued 20 penalties since officers began a new patrol called Operation Tattoo last week to enforce coronavirus restrictions. 
Swanage’s older residents invited to join in an Age UK coffee morning over Zoom Zoom may not be everyone’s cup of tea but Age UK for North, West and South Dorset are trialling virtual coffee mornings to keep everyone in touch over lockdown. 
Studland seahorses up for adoption to help Dorset’s wildlife this Christmas The Dorset Wildlife Trust is urging people to help the local wildlife this Christmas by adopting a Studland seahorse or even a Brownsea Island red squirrel. Swanage lifeboat rushes to assist with search for missing man A Swanage lifeboat crew helped in the search for a missing man who was found safe at Ballard Point. 
100 year old armoured Rolls Royce celebrates birthday with new Tank Museum film Bovington’s Tank Museum has commemorated the 100th anniversary of its oldest running vehicle by releasing a film to watch while the museum is closed under lockdown. 
Fire Service plea for a safe and Covid-free Bonfire Night Swanage residents are urged to account for COVID-19 restrictions and the new lockdown rules when celebrating Guy Fawkes night 
Festive food fair ‘pops up’ at Tank Museum to end a challenging year The Tank Museum is set to host Christmas festivities in a cheerful end to a year marred by Covid-19. 
Rough weather to hit Dorset’s shores as colossal swells pummel the south west coast Swanage beachgoers should be careful over the next few days as huge swells are set to hit the south west coast. Santa set to bring festive cheer to Swanage for a Covid safe Christmas Despite the pandemic, Father Christmas still plans to bring merriment and joy to Swanage with the help of Swanage and Purbeck Rotary. 
Woman on mammoth trek around UK “absolutely overwhelmed” by Swanage welcome As part of a four year journey around the British Isles - raising an impressive £70,000 for charity on the way - Karen Penny described the kindness of Swanage residents ... 
Refuse collection in Purbeck to get new staff and vehicles Following a difficult spell for bin collections across Purbeck, Dorset Council has taken on new drivers and has plans for new vehicles. 
Swanage firefighters among dozens called to help deal with thatched house blaze Firefighters from Swanage were mobilised to assist as a house fire saw crews from all over Dorset called to action. 
Half term not a break from Covid as Dorset hospital numbers rise The number of people in hospital in Dorset with Covid-19 has shot up over the past two weeks - reaching a total of 44. 
New initiative investigated to slow down traffic coming into Swanage Across Dorset, 45 communities already have electronic signs that show an approaching vehicle’s speed and now Swanage may get one too. 
Family cat inspires traditional pub to launch new venture amid pandemic A historic pub near Swanage has diversified during the Covid-19 crisis and launched a delicatessens inside the 350 year old hostelry. 
Back for the weekend – Swanage’s inshore lifeboat returns home after repairs RNLI Swanage’s inshore lifeboat can now take to the seas once again after being repaired, following a busy summer. 
Government shells out £780,000 funding boost to keep Tank Museum on track through pandemic The Tank Museum at Bovington has been thrown a major lifeline, receiving a total of £780,000 as part of the UK Government's Culture Recovery Fund. 
Rare shrimps found spreading along Dorset’s coast amid changing climate A rare species of shrimp that was first spotted in UK waters at Swanage, has now been seen further round the Jurassic Coast. 
Purbeck Police looking for owner of “interesting plants” An investigation is underway after several suspected illicit plants were discovered in the Wareham area. 
Horses in Studland caught by police after bid to hoof it! Missing horses were safely reunited with their owners after escaping from their field in Studland. 
Wareham Forest fundraising appeal close to £5k as it gets artistic boost Fundraisers have raised nearly £5,000 in an effort to restore Wareham Forest after horrific fires destroyed the woodland - and now the appeal has received support from local artists. 
Swanage loses one of its nearest multiplexes as Poole Cineworld closes Film fans in Swanage will have to look elsewhere to catch the latest releases as the town loses one of its nearest multiplexes with the temporary closure of Poole’s Cineworld. 
‘Bin Your Butt’ to keep Swanage Beach free of cigarette litter Campaigners are urging smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts properly and not fill towns like Swanage with unwanted smoking related litter. Purbeck set for wet weekend as weather and flood warnings issued Swanage and Purbeck are set to take a battering from the elements this weekend as weather warnings have been issued for the area. Swanage Beach open to dogs again for winter season Dogs are allowed back on Swanage’s Main Beach as the summer season has come to an end. 
Hunt to find fly-tipper of “disgusting” rotting meat dumped in Purbeck Council enforcement officers are searching for the culprit, who fly-tipped bags full of meat in the Purbeck area. 
Police warning after thieves target tools in Swanage Residents in Swanage are urged to remain alert after a spree of burglaries in the town. 
Flu jab clinics have started in Swanage for the most vulnerable Amid the coronavirus pandemic, residents are being urged to ensure that they protect themselves from the flu with this year’s vaccine. 
Lifeboat crew called to aid fishing boat after engine fails Poole’s lifeboat crew rushed out to sea to help a fishing boat in distress at Studland. 
Historic boat plans to make return to Swanage A historic ferry is set to make its first trip to and from Swanage in years - and it could soon be offering trips to Brownsea Island too. 
Watch for military helicopters overhead as part of Bovington exercise Purbeck residents should keep an eye on the sky, as military aviation manoeuvres are taking place over the course of next week. 
Destroyed fishing boat found drifting along Bournemouth coastline Following the Swanage RNLI rescue of a fisherman just off Anvil Point, his sunk fishing boat has now been found, revealing the dramatic damage - SEE PHOTOS. 
Fisherman saved after his trawler sinks without trace off Anvil Point Swanage Lifeboat crew were able to rescue a fisherman, thanks to a lifejacket that “played a big part in saving his life.” 
Bus provider promises to “retain lifeline service” throughout winter despite pandemic Swanage’s key bus service provider, Morebus has stressed its commitment to keeping essential services throughout the coronavirus crisis and the quieter winter months. 
Swanage to get a new park as designs revealed to boost wildlife Plans for a wildlife-friendly mini or ‘pocket park’ at Rabling Green in Swanage are coming closer to fruition. 
Hospital NHS trusts confirm merger to “disappointment” of Swanage campaigners Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are to merge, meaning that A&E will be able to move from Poole to Bournemouth. 
Price freeze on Swanage beach huts for next summer Anyone hiring a council-owned Shore Road beach hut will have to pay the whole cost upfront next year - but there will be no price increase. 
Small miracle as man reunited with lost wedding ring A man has found his treasured wedding ring – just days after he feared it was lost forever along the coastal path in Studland.