Naj Modak

Kingston Lacy, a National Trust property in Dorset, is reducing watering, avoiding hosepipes, planting drought-tolerant species, creating wildflower meadows and allowing grass to grow as the Wessex Water hosepipe ban takes effect. Staff say prolonged hot and dry conditions are stressing trees and causing early browning, while water demand across the region is 30% above average. The measures form part of a longer-term effort to conserve water and respond to climate change.

Weymouth Town Council plans to proceed with a summer fireworks display despite a government warning of a very high wildfire risk across England and Wales. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service supported the alert and advised against activities that could spark fires, while the council said it had consulted the service and its fireworks contractor, moved the launch barge farther offshore and implemented risk controls. The decision comes amid drought, extreme heat and a major incident declaration following numerous fires in the area.

Former British, European and Commonwealth boxing champion Jason Cunningham is relaunching the youth club he attended as a teenager at Brodsworth Miners Welfare in Doncaster. The planned hub, expected to open in September, will combine his boxing gym with social and creative activities such as pool, music and podcast recording. Cunningham and welfare chair James Irwin developed the idea in response to a lack of activities for local young people. Cunningham's Iceman Foundation is also running a six-week programme for young people not in education, employment or training, offering boxing and other sports alongside a focus on confidence and mental health.

A Nathusius' pipistrelle, one of the UK's rarest breeding bat species, has been confirmed roosting near a Yorkshire Water reservoir close to Sheffield, marking the first confirmed roost in South Yorkshire. Environmental DNA collected from bat boxes detected the species, and follow-up surveys confirmed the finding. Yorkshire Water, the South Yorkshire Bat Group and NatureMetrics said the results demonstrate the value of newly installed bat boxes and eDNA sampling, which can monitor more sites efficiently than one-off visual inspections and help target future conservation efforts.

A Nathusius' pipistrelle, one of the UK's rarest breeding bat species, has been confirmed roosting near a Yorkshire Water reservoir site close to Sheffield—the first confirmed record in South Yorkshire. Environmental DNA collected from bat boxes detected the species, which was later verified through follow-up surveys. Yorkshire Water, the South Yorkshire Bat Group and NatureMetrics said the finding demonstrates the value of newly installed bat boxes and eDNA swabbing as efficient tools for monitoring wildlife and targeting conservation efforts.

Children aged five to 15 in West Berkshire can travel free on participating local bus services throughout August under the national Great British Summer Savings scheme. Thames Travel, Stagecoach, Reading Buses and Newbury and District Buses are taking part. West Berkshire Council says the initiative will reduce holiday costs for families, support local businesses and attractions, and offer a sustainable alternative to car travel; families are advised to confirm eligible services and timetables before travelling.

Cowes Week’s 2026 regatta is celebrating 200 years since the first event, drawing thousands of sailors and spectators to Cowes and the Solent. The Princess Royal opened the bicentenary celebrations by firing the Royal Yacht Squadron’s starting cannon, while crews competed in a mix of classic and modern yachts. Racing continues through Friday, concluding with the return of the end-of-regatta fireworks.

Wokingham Borough Council has approved the Barkham Solar Farm, a planned 43,000-panel development expected to power more than 10,500 homes and connect fully to the grid by 2029. Construction could begin later in 2026 after earlier grid-connection delays were reassessed. The council expects more than £1m in annual net income, alongside carbon reductions, increased biodiversity and a new walking and cycling route. Subject to final contract approval, partial grid connection is targeted for September 2027.

Wokingham Borough Council has approved the Barkham Solar Farm, a planned 43,000-panel development expected to power more than 10,500 homes once fully connected in 2029. The project had been paused because national grid reforms threatened to delay its connection until at least 2031, but updated assessments found it financially viable despite potential delays. Construction is expected to start later this year, with partial grid connection targeted for September 2027. The council forecasts more than £1m in annual net income, while the scheme is also intended to more than double biodiversity and provide a new walking and cycling route.

Two-year-old Isabelle Welsh died in hospital after suffering a fractured skull, an unsurvivable brain injury, extensive bruising and 21 broken bones during a campaign of abuse at her Thornaby home. Her mother, Alexandra Walker, and Walker’s boyfriend, Harrison Simpson, were convicted of murder and child cruelty and jailed for life. Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton of Cleveland Police described the case as one of the worst his team had handled and praised investigators and family liaison officers for their determination to secure justice.

Barnsley recycling centres will close temporarily in phases for drainage and safety improvements. Smithies Lane Recycling Centre will be closed from 6 August until the end of September, with restrictions on accepted materials from 3 to 5 August. Residents can use alternative sites in Goldthorpe, Penistone, Worsbrough and Doncaster, while further work at other centres is planned through 2027.

Cadent Gas has begun a 20-week project to replace 800m of 75-year-old gas pipes in Sheffield’s Crookes area. The work will be completed in four phases, with temporary road closures, traffic lights and parking restrictions affecting junctions along Crookes. The company says the £100m regional investment will reduce future repairs and enable the network to carry gases such as biomethane, while residents are advised to allow extra time for journeys.

The Krazy Races soapbox event in Newbury attracted teams from local businesses, charities and community groups, with organisers and Newbury BID highlighting its benefits for retailers, hotels and the wider local economy. The free event also raised money for charities and featured family entertainment, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Paddington. Competitors designed and raced homemade carts through a temporary town-centre course, with participants describing the event as entertaining despite the challenges and occasional damage to their vehicles.

Andrew and Max Golding have bought the seasonal Mudeford Ferry, which connects Christchurch Quay with Mudeford Sandbank. The father and son, who have longstanding personal ties to the service, plan to preserve its heritage while investing in a safe, reliable and welcoming operation. They thanked former owner Capt Paul Derham for his dedication and assistance with the transition, and hope to engage the local community by sharing stories about the ferry and Christchurch Harbour.

Cotswold Rainwater Services Ltd has been charged with corporate manslaughter and failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act after 34-year-old guttering engineer Andrew Claridge died from electrocution at a residential property in Longworth, Oxfordshire, on 14 November 2024. The charges followed a joint investigation by Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive. The company is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 11 August 2026.

The government has allocated £4.5 million to improve maternity and neonatal services in Berkshire as part of a wider £112 million programme addressing maternal safety risks and infrastructure issues. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted past failures and emphasised maternity care as a key priority. The funding contributes to broader reforms following the Amos Review, including increased midwife recruitment, new safety initiatives and the extension of Martha’s Rule across England. Concerns were raised by bereaved parent Emily Barley about the proposed maternity and neonatal commissioner role, arguing it centralises too much power.

Ian White, who struggled with severe loneliness and depression after his marriage ended, found community and renewed purpose through attending and later volunteering at FoodCycle in Sheffield. The charity transforms surplus food into free communal meals, helping reduce food waste while fostering social connection. White credits the weekly gatherings with improving his mental health, rebuilding his social life, and giving him a sense of meaning. FoodCycle is seeking additional volunteers across Yorkshire and nearby cities to support its summer efforts as demand for community meals continues to grow.

Stockton has been shortlisted for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, securing £60,000 to prepare its bid for the £3m national prize. Councillor Nigel Cooke and national officials highlighted the town's strong cultural credentials, including festivals, historical celebrations and community events. Stockton’s bid is supported by a coalition of local cultural organisations, and political figures across parties praised the achievement as the final winner will be selected next year.

Authorities are searching for a 19-year-old man who went missing after a kayak carrying two men capsized near Boulmer, Northumberland. One man reached a buoy and was rescued, while efforts continue to recover the missing individual under challenging conditions. Police urged the public to avoid the area for safety and to allow professional teams to conduct the search.

Rotherham Council has approved £2.42m to advance redevelopment plans for five key town centre sites, moving the project into a second phase that will produce fully costed proposals for final approval in 2027. The plans include 225 new riverside homes aimed at attracting residents and boosting the local economy, along with mixed-use developments at Snail Yard and Corporation Street. The council will continue working with developer Capital & Centric as part of broader regeneration across the Don Valley Corridor, which also includes new transport and market facilities intended to support jobs, housing and investment.

Rotherham Council has begun construction on 31 new homes in Eastwood as part of its programme to deliver 1,000 properties by summer 2027, having already completed 808 by May. The homes are intended for local residents, with exceptions for priority groups such as veterans and domestic abuse victims. A council report outlines additional building and conversion projects while noting the impact of Right to Buy sales, which have reduced stock by more than 1,300 homes since 2018. Councillor Linda Beresford said the new development supports the council’s goal of providing safe, affordable housing and prioritising residents in genuine need.

Shoppers in Sheffield expressed disappointment after the Moor Market was temporarily closed due to a cockroach infestation affecting parts of the site, including food businesses. Sheffield City Council said the closure would last until at least Thursday while extensive pest control and cleaning took place, citing hot weather as a contributing factor to increased pest activity. Regular visitors described the inconvenience and concern for stallholders but said they planned to return once the market reopened. Traders reported lost business while awaiting further updates.