News

The National Trust is warning of the risks posed by cliffs after a dog miraculously survived a 100ft fall near Old Harry Rocks in Purbeck.

The Daily Echo Bournemouth reported (Wednesday January 18, 2012) that Bobby the cocker spaniel-poodle cross escaped with a broken toe and chipped tooth after soft seaweed cushioned his fall.

Old Harry is a popular dog walk but Bobby’s story underlines the need for owners to take care near the cliff edges, says landowner The National Trust.

The Daily Echo quotes Bobby’s owner, Kevin Rowell of Poole, saying: “Bobby was with us the whole time. But we took our eyes off him for 30 seconds and in that time he had bolted.”

The National Trust’s Purbeck General Manager Laurie Clark said: “We are often drawn to places like Old Harry by the spectacular views, but dogs may be more interested in chasing rabbits or seagulls and can easily run over a cliff edge in their excitement.”

“Sadly, every year we hear of dogs which are not as lucky as Bobby.”

Read more: Look after your best friend near cliffs

Two new orchards are to be planted by the National Trust

Planting at Studland 21 January

Anybody interested in learning more about planting a traditional apple orchard is being invited to help the national Trust create a new orchard at Studland.

On Saturday (21 January) all comers are being invited to help create an orchard of traditional Dorset apple varieties alongside the main Studland to Swanage road. The planting takes place from 10am-2pm with all necessary materials supplied by the Trust.

The project is part of a nationwide initiative led by the National Trust and Natural England to re-establish orchards as wildlife habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The new orchard will also provide a community resource for the area with space for leisure activities.

The Trust is also planting a new orchard at Shapwick, near Kingston Lacy on a former paddock which is no longer used for grazing.

The land will be planted with 200 fruit trees using a mixture of apple types specifically chosen for making cider and apple juice.

“It is a new venture for the Kingston Lacy estate to plant a commercial orchard,” explained Nigel Chalk, Countryside and Gardens Manager.

“We will be using the Isle of Wight pippin which is a good cider apple and James Grieve which is a dual purpose apple but good for juice. We will also install two beehives and some information panels to explain what is being done and hope to make the first harvest of apples in maybe four years time.”

Read more: National Trust Plants Orchards

Swanage gets a new Cultural Hub: a New lease of Life for The British Legion!

The Rock-A-Hula Club,  the brain child behind the incredibly successful Swanage Comedy Festival and resident Friday night DJ’s upstairs at the East Bar, are bringing a new lease of life to one of Swanage’s most unlikely venues, The Royal British Legion.  Swanage residents Dave Taylor and Jack Daniels are breathing life into the region and the Legion, enticing acts from across the spectrum of the UK's cultural landscape from blues, Jazz, Folk, to one off comedy nights etc.

The venue is an interesting choice, but Dave says:

We were looking for a positive partnership with a venue, where we could develop ideas and explore what would work for visitors and the local community.   We have had fantastic feed back from comedians that have appeared there during the Comedy Festivals, who have said how great the space is. We already have had some sell out shows there, and there are going to be plenty more in the coming year. The organisers are also incredibly positive.  It reminds me of the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club in East London which manages to still be a successful Working Men's Club but has cutting edge entertainment. 

Rock-A-Hula's aim is to book comedy, music, live theatre, kids shows, cabaret etc, as well as a rehearsal space that should introduce more original music to the area.  Music classes are planned such as drum and Ukulele workshops,

Read more: Swanage gets a new Cultural Hub

The Little Green Mag publishes an article about the Swanage Walking Festival 2012.

Organisers are delighted to announce the launch of the Third Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival, which will run from April 28th until May 6th 2012.
The Isle of Purbeck in Dorset has some of the most stunning scenery in the UK and the walk programme is designed to provide people of all ages, interests and abilities the chance to roam along the beautiful Jurassic Coast and over unspoiled heathland, through nature reserves and idyllic Dorset villages. The area is blessed with an abundance of wildlife, and those taking part can expect to see some of the UK’s rarest species such as the Sika Deer for example, as well as magnificent and iconic landmarks such as........Read More