Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

“I began to discover that Swanage was definitely, as the saying is, surrealist” said artist Paul Nash. The Paul Nash exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery in London has reminders of the artist’s time living on the Dorset coast. From his … Continue reading →

Digging, diving and data-recording opportunities are on offer to volunteers who would like to take part in the Coastal Heritage Project being led by the New Forest National Park Authority. The project was set up to fully record the archaeology … Continue reading →

The IMAX at Bournemouth has been bought by the Council and will be demolished. The building, alongside the coast path and voted Britain’s second most ugly building, ruins the Pier Approach and blocks the view of the bay and Isle … Continue reading →

The Crown Estate has announced nine sites for offshore wind farms including one visible from Bournemouth clifftop and Swanage. There has been little comment over the past few months and yesterday’s news was greeted warmly by Bournemouth Council and Friends … Continue reading →

Last night I was in Bournemouth’s Lower Pleasure Gardens for the launch of the town’s 200th anniversary celebrations. The event at dusk was very low key with a small crowd. There was no public transport available! But the fireworks by … Continue reading →

The rescue helicopter was called out yesterday after a man fell down the cliff at Barton-on-Sea during darkness. He dropped 30 feet but survived with just bruised ribs. This is the third time this year that the coastguard helicopter has … Continue reading →

The Poole and Christchurch Bays Shoreline Management Policy is now out for consultation. The message for Poole Bay, better known as Bournemouth seafront, is hold the line. East of Point House in Southbourne the report uses the phrase ‘robust defence’. … Continue reading →

Coastguards are warning people to stay off  beaches at Sandbanks and Branksome and Purbeck cliff paths to avoid severe weather on Saturday.

The winter route between Southbourne and Mudeford is likely to be flooded tomorrow (Saturday) according to the Environment Agency. Its message tonight warns about “areas in close proximity to Christchurch Harbour including Mudeford, Stanpit, the Quomps and Wick “. This … Continue reading →

Now that we have changed clocks, which means no Mudeford ferry, walkers will be using the winter route between Southbourne and Mudeford. This involves crossing Stanpit Marsh which is currently subject of a draft management plan. The public consultation has … Continue reading →