Fraser Simpson

Live tank displays, vehicle rides and interactive family activities will be offered at The Tank Museum in Bovington during the summer holiday period. Visitors can view the Warhorse exhibition before its closure and redevelopment, join game-themed tours and a vintage-style fete, and ride in a Cold War troop carrier. Each ticket includes a year-long return pass, and advance booking offers a discount.

A bittern has bred at RSPB Lodmoor in Dorset for the first time since 1883, marking a major conservation milestone. Improved reedbed management and habitat restoration by the RSPB facilitated the conditions for successful breeding. A female has been regularly seen feeding, suggesting chicks are being raised, though one may have been taken by resident marsh harriers. Conservation work by the RSPB and Natural England has helped revive bittern populations after their historical decline due to habitat loss and hunting.

New Milton will host a two‑week arts trail from August 1 to 15 featuring works by 80 artists displayed across businesses and public spaces. Organised by the Friends of New Milton Station in response to public demand for more art, the initiative includes school and community group contributions, a themed exhibition launch, artist meet‑and‑greet, and an artists’ competition. Funding comes from local organisations and councils, and trail maps will be available in venues and online.

The Health Secretary James Murray visited Figbury Lodge in Poole, praising its high standards and welcoming atmosphere while meeting residents, staff, and family members. The visit highlighted partnership work between BCP Council and Shaw Healthcare, which operates the home under an employee-owned model. Discussions included the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan and the importance of integrating care homes with wider health services. Figbury Lodge provides specialist nursing and dementia care across 80 beds.

Free Pet Pals workshops will be held daily in Pets at Home stores across England and Wales from July 17 to August 28, offering children aged four to ten hands‑on activities about pet care. The sessions cover themes such as nutrition, exercise and grooming, include opportunities to handle small animals and require advance booking. Over 950,000 children have previously taken part, reflecting the company’s focus on promoting responsible pet ownership.

Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Team has opened recruitment for new volunteers to support safety operations along the Dorset coastline, with training beginning in early September. Volunteers will respond to coastal incidents and receive full training and equipment. The team encourages applicants who are fit, team‑oriented and available for callouts, directing interested individuals to the HM Coastguard recruitment page.

Ryan Perry of Bournemouth earned the Beer Sommelier accreditation after passing the Guild of Beer Sommeliers exam, demonstrating expertise in beer styles, brewing, and food pairing. The achievement followed more than two years of study, supported by his family. Chief Examiner Alex Barlow praised his dedication. Perry aims to combine his communications background with his beer knowledge to work with beer brands and support consumer education.

A free multicultural festival in Dorchester on August 8 will feature global music, dance and food, including performances by local and international artists and a wide range of international cuisine. Organised by Dorchester Town Council and the South West Dorset Multicultural Network with support from several community sponsors, the event aims to promote cultural understanding through entertainment, workshops and family activities.

Dorset leads the UK in Premium Bonds success with 590 high-value winners per 100,000 residents, totalling 4,717 winners and £14.29 million in prizes over the past year. Research by Bitz.io shows rural counties dominate per‑capita winnings, while London falls to 36th place after population adjustment. Surrey, West Sussex, Cornwall, East Sussex and Devon also rank highly, with several producing jackpot winners.

More than 200 free places have been announced for the Reptile Ranger Holiday Activity and Food programme for children aged eight to sixteen across Dorset and Hampshire. Funded by local councils and the Department for Education, the initiative offers hands‑on learning with reptiles and amphibians, outdoor activities, and science workshops, with additional support for children with SEND or SEMH needs. The volunteer‑led Reptile Academy aims to provide safe, educational and memorable summer experiences.

Lyme Regis Museum introduced a summer programme featuring fossil polishing, printmaking, clay modelling, 3D sculpting, and interactive sessions about Mary Anning, along with guided fossil, history, and ghost walks. Most activities are included with museum admission and are designed for visitors of all ages, encouraging creativity and interest in the Jurassic Coast’s heritage.