Dorset & New Forest
Daily local news and events for Dorset, the New Forest, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the original sources.
Latest: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Dorset businesses may soon face a ban on non-essential water use because of the ongoing drought, so firms should plan now. Drug poisoning deaths remain high in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, though Plymouth now has the worst rate in the South West. Work has started to restore New Forest heathland burned in a summer wildfire. It is worth acting only on the water warning; the rest is good to know.
Best 5
- Dorset businesses could face a ban on non-essential water use: Commercial premises in Dorset may face limits on non-essential water use because the severe drought is continuing. Small firms that rely on water for cleaning, gardens or customer facilities may need to plan ahead.
- Dorset funeral firm launches workshops on grieving before a loved one dies: A Dorset funeral firm is starting sessions to help people cope with anticipatory grief, the sorrow felt while someone is still alive but dying. Anticipatory grief is common but rarely talked about, and local support is scarce.
- Drug deaths across the South West mapped, with BCP among the highest: New figures show Plymouth has the highest rate of drug poisoning deaths in the South West, ahead of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It shows the conurbation still carries one of the region's heaviest burdens of drug harm.
- Career fair for psychology and therapy professions in Bournemouth: A Psychological Professions Career Fair takes place on 12 November at St Mark's Church, Talbot Village, Bournemouth. It is a local route into talking-therapy and mental health careers.
- Work begins to restore New Forest heathland burned in summer wildfire: Conservationists have started recovery work on an area of the New Forest badly damaged by a summer wildfire that began with a burning vehicle. The heathland is a protected local landscape, and the fire shows how drought is raising wildfire risk.
Top stories
- Dorset businesses could face a ban on non-essential water use Commercial premises in Dorset may face limits on non-essential water use because the severe drought is continuing. Small firms that rely on water for cleaning, gardens or customer facilities may need to plan ahead. Original source: Bridport News
- Drug deaths across the South West mapped, with BCP among the highest New figures show Plymouth has the highest rate of drug poisoning deaths in the South West, ahead of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It shows the conurbation still carries one of the region's heaviest burdens of drug harm. Original source: Plymouth Live
- Work begins to restore New Forest heathland burned in summer wildfire Conservationists have started recovery work on an area of the New Forest badly damaged by a summer wildfire that began with a burning vehicle. The heathland is a protected local landscape, and the fire shows how drought is raising wildfire risk. Original source: BBC News Dorset
Archive
- Saturday, 7 November 2026: Dorset businesses could face a ban on non-essential water use