In the New Forest the real lords of the road are four-legged, have a swishing tail and don’t care about your morning commute.

PARENTS raise concerns as “trusted community hub” Beaufort centre set to close this month.

Dorset Police report falling crime and anti-social behaviour in Dorset, with increased visible policing, patrols, and Safer Streets funding boosting safety.

A man has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a collision with a car in Hamworthy.

A DRUGS gang have been jailed after supplying half a million pounds worth of cocaine across the country from a home lab in Bournemouth.

Reptiles and ground nesting birds are feared to have been caught up in a fire that tore through part of the New Forest

The man with the big, big voice bought a big, big show to the sold-out BIC tonight.

A bunny on the run has been safely reunited with its owner thanks to the quick action of a police community support officer

Families of women who played a vital role in the New Forest during the Second World War are being urged to come forward

6,500 more young people across Weymouth and Portland are to be offered vaccinations and antibiotics for Meningitis B after three confirmed cases in the area.

Living alone in the UK now costs single adults an average of £6,430 more a year, with London, Poole and Bournemouth facing the highest 'singles tax'.

Naomi and Jack’s, formerly Naomi House & Jacksplace, rebrands to clarify its children’s hospice services, offering wider palliative and respite care support.

Dorset Police backs national action plan after Suzy Lamplugh Trust super complaint to improve stalking victim support and to tackle offenders.

Postmodern Jukebox bring their The Future Is Vintage UK tour to Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre in May 2026, transforming chart hits with jazz and swing flair.

Agatha Christie's ‘And Then There Were None’ comes to Wimborne's Tivoli Theatre, 14–16 May. Tickets via box office or tivoliwimborne.co.uk. Book now!

NHS bowel cancer screening has detected 70,000 cases in 20 years. Over 6.9 million in the UK took part in 2024/25. Early testing saves lives—get your home test.

Bournemouth University study finds brains process emojis like real faces, with scans showing similar neural responses to digital icons and human expressions.

Kanesbury Care, formerly LuxuryCare, rebrands its Bournemouth and Poole care homes, highlighting family values and lifestyle-led care across six locations.

Celebrate 20 years of Open Farm Sunday on 7 June 2026. UK farms welcome visitors to explore agriculture, meet farmers, and learn about British farming.

Enjoy "Branch Out!" at Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset, on 9-10 May. Family-friendly outdoor activities, tree climbing, live music & more. Tickets via Eventbrite.

The largest beachfront sauna in the UK is set to open in Boscombe, with bookings now available.

Bournemouth Writing Festival returns 24–26 April with 100+ events, free workshops, poetry, children’s activities and author talks across town centre venues.

Nigel Hedges unveils new vision for Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, launching a digital growth group and expanding business support amid economic challenges.

Tui has released a highly anticipated update for travellers amid growing tensions in the Middle East, which may result in international fuel shortages.

Care home residents at Colten Care in Dorset and Hampshire celebrated World Art Day with creative art sessions, showcasing their talents and boosting wellbeing.

A new campaign group has been set up to prevent the split of the New Forest in local government plans.

Paris Smith managing partner Huw Miles completed a 50-mile charity walk from Winchester to Bournemouth, raising £2,440 for Heartbeat’s 3D heart project.

A couple from Dorset were paired with their perfect pet after appearing on Channel 4’s The Dog House.

Older residents in Bournemouth can enjoy free monthly lunches and social events at Winton Park Café, thanks to McCarthy & Stone Foundation’s Welcome Wednesday.

Dorset’s Hyperion Hot Tubs wins two national awards at the Sundance Spas UK Dealer Conference, recognised for swim spas and 880 Series sales excellence.

Pint of Science festival at Camden Westbourne pub, 18–20 May, features talks on mushrooms, foraging and more, bringing UK scientists to the public.

A man from Poole has won £10,000 every month for a year after scooping a prize in a National Lottery set for life draw.

Adults-only soft play event at The Treehouse, Christchurch on 22 May. Hosted by charity Diverse Abilities, BYOB. Tickets and details at diverseabilities.org.uk.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Castleman Learning Network in Poole offers a part-time primary PGCE route with QTS, helping Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset career-changers become teachers.

Grant Cameron of Trethowans wins Legal Personality of the Year at LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026.

S&A Truck & Trailer Rental applies to operate 2 goods vehicles and 5 trailers from 51 Holton Road, Poole. Objections to the Traffic Commissioner by 5 May.

A new premises licence is sought for Studland Bay House, Dorset, to allow alcohol and entertainment at weddings and private events. Have your say by 28 days.

Sentry Self-Storage Bournemouth has applied to BCP Council for a premises licence to store and distribute wine. Public comments are open until 7 May 2026.

Hampshire County Council to enforce 18-month road closures and speed limits across the New Forest from April 2026. See affected routes and closure details.

A brewery has made an award-winning debut on the regional beer scene.

Bournemouth Electric Club has paid tribute to two of it's 'most dedicated' members who have been described as the 'kindest souls'.

AROUND 45 firefighters were called to tackle a major thatched roof fire believed to have been caused by heat transfer from a woodburning stove.

The Dartford warbler, a once-rare bird, has been photographed in Dorset making a comeback

Jet2 has issued an update on its upcoming flights as fears of travel disruption grow amid ongoing jet fuel disruptions - see what the airline said.

DWFRS crews are dealing with a property fire in Kingston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Civic chiefs have approved a £3m plan to save a derelict wartime building that appears in a famous film starring David Niven

New Forest parking charges starting today will destroy the feeling of the Forest being open to all, says an Echo letter writer

A ROAD has been blocked by police after a two-vehicle crash in Ashley Heath.

A HEADTEACHER who bought a new car battery on the school’s credit card and lied about a ‘situation’ with a colleague, has faced a misconduct panel.