Watercress Line receives the late Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Volunteers and staff at the much-loved Watercress Line have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson. The Lord-Lieutenant paid tribute to the heritage railway during a special presentation of the prestigious crystal award and certificate at Alresford Station on Monday 27 February. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary […]



BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair returns to Beaulieu in April with spectacular Hillier Secret Garden

Exciting new highlights are being announced for the return of the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair to Beaulieu, from 28 to 30 April 2023. With tickets are on sale now, whether you’re a keen gardener, experienced plant enthusiast or a budding beginner, inspiration will be in plentiful supply. Headline partner, Hillier, will present a stunning […]



Oldest spinosaur brains revealed

Researchers from the University of Southampton and Ohio University have reconstructed the brains and inner ears of two British spinosaurs, helping uncover how these large predatory dinosaurs interacted with their environment. Spinosaurs are an unusual group of theropod dinosaurs, equipped with long, crocodile-like jaws and conical teeth. These adaptations helped them live a somewhat-aquatic lifestyle […]



Portsmouth City Council to monitor seawater quality

Portsmouth City Council has started regular seawater sampling, to get a fuller picture of the condition of local waters. Officers will take regular samples at Southsea, Langstone Harbour and Portsmouth Harbour, to monitor water quality and track any changes. Cllr Steve Pitt, the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, said: “We’re obviously […]



Southampton welcomes Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in historic day to mark Lord Mayor status

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, visited Southampton on 3 February 2023 in a historic visit to officially present the city with its Letters Patent, recognising Southampton’s new Lord Mayor status. Marking a special moment in the city’s rich history, HRH met with the Lord Mayor, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Southampton City Council’s Chief […]



Photos of Hawk Conservancy Trust Winter Woodland Lights

Take a walk through the seasons with the magical woodland walk and flying display of the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s Winter Woodland Lights.



Hawk Conservancy Trust Winter Woodland Lights

UK bird of prey conservation charity the Hawk Conservancy Trust is bringing back its Winter Woodland Lights event for the second year running at its centre near Andover. The wildlife charity’s unique nature-inspired spin on ever-popular winter light trails runs from 13 January for 17 nights. View photos of Winter Woodland Lights Taking visitors on […]



First ‘rain gardens’ planted in Portsmouth

People living and working in North End will soon benefit from greener streets and more sustainable drainage, as the first rain gardens in the city have been installed by Portsmouth City Council on London Road. These will fight climate change by providing water an area to soak into during or after heavy rain. When rain […]



Jamiroquai to Headline Friday Night at Victorious 2023

The UK’s biggest metropolitan festival, Victorious Festival, has announced Acid Jazz icons Jamiroquai as Friday night headliners. Fronted by the original Space Cowboy – Jay Kay – the band are back to their funky best and with thirty years of stone cold tunes in their locker including Virtual Insanity and number hit Deeper Underground expect […]



Photos of Light Up Sir Harold Hiller Gardens at Christmas

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is new for 2022. The route winds through the gardens for around a mile. You can walk the trail until 31 December.