Discover the secret sounds of bats and insects at “Sounds of the Sky: From Bats to Bugs”, a free evening talk at Dorchester Town Hall on 11 March 2026 as part of the Dorchester Science Festival

The Cherries have created a new company for its women’s team, separate from the men’s.

A bar in Bournemouth has had its license reviewed by committee after a resident complained about noise.

A council is preparing to roll out the third and final phase of a new waste collection system in the New Forest

A Sandbanks based restaurant has been given a one-star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency with major improvements advised.

The story's real-life muse found her own permanent Wonderland in Hampshire.

A former marine and police officer is hoping to flex his way into the Guinness world-record books later this year as part of a gruelling 24-hour mental and physical challenge.

A hospitality group has announced the acquisition of The Lord Bute in Highcliffe, a well-known hotel and restaurant.

Record-breaking train ‘Flying Scotsman’ – the most famous steam locomotive in the world – is to visit the Swanage Railway. Its visit in the autumn is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the heritage line rebuilt since 1976.

One person in Dorset ended up collecting a prize of £100,000 in the March draw for the Premium Bonds

Residents are furious their 'premium' coastal neighbourhood is being plagued by motorhomes parked long-term outside their properties.

Vikki Slade MP launches student surgeries at Dorset schools, giving pupils a direct voice in political debate on issues like social media and votes at 16.

THIS BOURENMOUTH-based boyband has made a mark on the judges on Britain’s Got Talent.

New Forest District Council has approved its new Housing Landlord Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.

Stacey Page Weddings has partnered with Minstead Lodge.

BCP Council to sell Poole Day Centre as part of plans to support financial strategy.

A new specialist provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs at a school in Christchurch will be introduced from April.

Boscombe has been identified as the first area to have a Best Start Family Hub.

Businesses are striving to make things accessible, and whilst I've had to learn to ask, I have also found that so many are willing to change and learn with us.

AN RNLI lifeboat was launched after a vessel ran aground in thick fog on Wednesday afternoon.

The South West records England’s lowest fly-tipping rate, says Defra. Dorset Council and police ramp up enforcement, issuing more fines for waste crime.

Dorset Police launches new recruitment drive for special constables. Volunteer, gain police skills, and support local communities. Apply online for 2026 intake.

Leah Shave and The Salvation Army team will skydive on 25 April, raising funds for UK survivors of modern slavery via the Survivor Support Fund. Donate now.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue provides eight kennels at Lincoln Farm for Forever Hounds Trust dogs after FHT’s Cullompton centre sale, ensuring ongoing care.

Endurance runner Richard O’Connor tackles an Everesting challenge in Swanage, climbing 8,848m to fundraise for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Major tax changes for UK landlords and self-employed: from April 2026, Making Tax Digital will require digital records and quarterly HMRC updates. Prepare now.

Tops Day Nurseries launches UK-first accredited Baby Specialist programme, raising standards in infant care, attachment, and wellbeing for under-twos.

James B Partridge brings his nostalgic Primary School Bangers tour to Poole Lighthouse on 13 September 2026, celebrating classic school assembly songs UK-wide.

Imogen Williams joins Dorset property lender MSP Capital as senior business development manager, bringing 10+ years’ expertise in development finance.

On hearing of a proposed tunnel bid from Sandbanks to Shell Bay, hundreds of our readers took to social media to shed their own thoughts on the ambitious project.

Celebrate World Book Day in Boscombe on 7 March with free live storytelling, craft workshops, a costume catwalk, and family activities at the Sovereign Centre.

BCP Council seeks public feedback on new Purewell traffic and bus reliability proposals, aiming to cut congestion and boost bus services in Christchurch.

Coffee Connexions, a Dorset HealthCare and HM Prison partnership, wins High Sheriff of Dorset Award for supporting ex-offenders' rehabilitation and employment.

New Forest District Council launches "golden ticket" prize draw with new waste and recycling scheme—win garden waste subscriptions or family swim passes.

The Connection, a new business event for female founders in Dorset and the South Coast, launches 30 April 2026 at the Royal Bath Hotel.

St Aldhelm’s Academy in Poole marks World Book Day with book swaps, bake-offs, and reading hunts to boost literacy and celebrate reading in school.

Live music fans can look forward to a jam‑packed first weekend of March, as major venues play host to a string of world-class acts in Dorset venues.

Consol opens new state-of-the-art tanning studio on Winton High Street, transforming former retail space into its 58th UK location. Find out more.

Dorset Council hosts a Commonwealth Day ceremony at County Hall, 9 March, featuring the King's Message, flag raising, and tributes to Fijian veterans.

The Environment Agency has launched new flood advice websites for Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset, offering safety guidance and updates for those affected.

Autistic adults in the UK face a suicide risk three to five times higher, finds Cambridge and Bournemouth study, citing lifelong inequalities.

Emmanuel Middle School in Verwood receives new books from Morrisons Foundation and National Literacy Trust to boost literacy and wellbeing on World Book Day.

Hampshire County Council to close 70 roads, including New Forest routes, for works from March 2026. Residents and motorists advised to check local updates.

Slim Chickens at Tower Park, Bournemouth seeks BCP Council licence to serve alcohol until midnight and late-night food. Public comments open until 22 March.

Dorset Council will close West Parley bridleway E56/24 from 9 March 2026 for gas pipeline repairs by Carr Civil Engineering. Alternative route provided.

Buco Group Ltd applies to BCP Council for a premises licence to sell alcohol at Buco Pizza, Christchurch, Dorset, from March 2026. Objections by 17 March.

BCP Council plans to install underground electricity cables beneath Turbary Common, Bournemouth. Public use to continue. Objections by 12 March 2026.

An inquest has opened into the death of a man who was found unresponsive by a member of the public at a Poole address.

Much-loved book characters will come to life for World Book Day 2026.