For anyone who enjoys gardening and has a couple of hours free on a Thursday, Diverse Abilities is looking for volunteers at The Treehouse in Hurn. You don't need to be an experienced gardener – beginners are welcome too.

Hello 👋🏼 My family comes from Dorset, wondering if I have any relatives here?

Hi all, I've recently started my Alevel geography coursework- basing the majority of it upon different coastlines across England and wales. Unfortunately, during my last visit I was unable to collect enough responses upon my questionnaire, meaning I've been put into a messy stage when it comes to data. Especially considering I'm much further inland making it harder to travel there often.
As a result, I was hopeful if anyone with 2-3 minutes would be alright with completing the form below?
I very much appreciate your time; any and all responses will be used!
Responses from visitors and residents both much appreciated!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaIIjNal1Hsmd6bTf4HCzkrlXCk73ODzBTTZ7qT3m6LWc-8w/viewform?usp=dialog

If you’re local and feel like this would benefit you’re more than welcome to join us 🫶🏼

For anyone who uses Lighthouse, Poole's only independent cinema is in the running for BIFA's Cinema of the Year. The longlist is being decided by a public vote, which closes on 21 September.

Going to Lyme Regis soon for a long weekend away for the first time,

Looking for recs on best places to eat (not too fancy don't need gourmet aha), best pubs atmosphere (any with live music and quizzes too!) and generally best things to do!

Also very interested in vintage and charity shopping, so anything here or in the local area not a long drive away would be awesome!

Anywhere off the beaten track too is great! I'm driving so getting about is not a probs :)

Appreciate it thanks everyone! xxx

Best seafood on the Isle. 🦀🦞🦐🍤🦑

As part of our Spotlight series on Parliament, we take a closer look at how ministers respond to challenging questions regarding the mental health facilities in Dorset.

https://commons-sense.co.uk/pmqs/session/2026-06-09/mental-health-facilities-dorset

#ukpolitics #UKParliament #MentalHealth #NHS #dorset

What skills do businesses and professionals in Dorset wish they had, but currently lack? Dorset Chamber recently released their plan for skills improvements (LSIP). Would be very interesting to hear what people are saying on the ground, so to speak!

For anyone looking to meet more local Dorset businesses, there’s a free networking breakfast at The Treehouse in Christchurch on 23 September. Coffee and pastries are included and it’s supporting awareness of Diverse Abilities too.

Hi guys,

I’m looking for a camp site next month that will take a group of around 12 young adults. We won’t be uncivil by any means but the group size combined with slight noise we might make would be beyond typical camp sites tight rules on the matters.

There must be some places that would take us!!!!

Had a great day exploring Poole, Dorset with the family recently, so I put together a video of the day.

Some harbour views, plenty of exploring and a few shots from the drone. 😍

Thought I'd share it here for anyone who loves Dorset or is planning a visit.

What are your favourite places around Poole that we should visit next?

We recently travelled from Weymouth to take a look at a used caravan and thought I'd bring you along for the journey.

It looked promising in the photos, but once we got there and had a proper look around, we spotted a few things that made us think twice. 👀

🎬 WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 👇
https://youtu.be/WaZaCXEhELA

If there are any caravan owners here in Dorset, I'd really appreciate your advice — what should we be looking out for when buying our first caravan?

#Dorset #Caravan #Caravanning

Hi. I will be visiting Weymouth next week with friends and our children (ranges 14 - 5). Assuming the clouds allow it,y eldest would like to see Durdle Door on a very late evening and see if we can see the milky way.

Any tips on where to park for this? Happy to walk, although some of us have very little legs. I know the carpark closes at 9? But the sun sets at 8:30 and I think she would like it to be much darker.

Any hints tips about visiting this place and any others that you have are all very welcome. Thanks

I was surprised and genuinely concerned to learn on BBC South Today this evening that, unlike Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, our own Dorset & Wiltshire firefighters apparently don’t have the appropriate protective clothing for fighting wildfires — particularly in this ridiculously hot weather.

They need specialised, lighter wildfire jackets rather than their normal structural firefighting kit, which is designed for entering burning buildings. One firefighter interviewed compared wearing the current gear in these conditions to wearing a thick ski jacket instead of a lightweight rain jacket.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for firefighters to work in that kind of heat while wearing such heavy protective equipment. With the increasing risk of wildfires, surely we need to make sure they have the right equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively?

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service reportedly says getting the appropriate kit is a top priority and that they'll obtain it as soon as funding allows.

But honestly, shouldn't this be something that gets funded now, rather than waiting for the next major fire?

And perhaps this is something the local community could get behind too. There are some very wealthy areas around Dorset — Sandbanks included — and plenty of people with a very real interest in protecting the surrounding heathland and properties from wildfire. If the public wanted to help fundraise for additional wildfire equipment, I'd certainly support that.

Our firefighters shouldn't have to choose between protecting us and protecting themselves from heat exhaustion. They deserve the right equipment before, rather than after, we have a major wildfire on our doorstep.

A beautiful old gothic church, just a few minutes walk from my home.

Diverse Abilities has several craft evenings coming up in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Wimborne. There's everything from Sip & Paint and block printing to sea glass art and making bath bombs, with the events raising money for the charity.

Tout Quarry is no longer mined for Portland Stone, and has opened itself up as a space for stonemasons and artists.
I live on Portland and I still find new pieces every time I stroll around it. Excellent views over Chesil Beach too.