Over recent months, Dorset Chamber has been gathering insights from more than 140 local businesses, large and small, to understand their progress towards Net Zero. The findings make for thought-provoking reading. Encouragingly, half of Dorset businesses report a solid grasp of Net Zero targets. Three quarters have started planning their transition. Yet, despite this, almost two thirds still haven’t measured their carbon footprint – a figure unchanged from our first survey two years ago. Without stronger regulation or attractive incentives, it seems many businesses will struggle to move Net Zero higher up their list of priorities.
Free training When it comes to the skills needed to deliver on Net Zero ambitions, the picture is mixed. Only around a third of businesses feel their teams currently have the knowledge required, with no improvement since 2023. Unsurprisingly, larger firms or those working directly in green sectors have a clearer understanding, often helped by hiring specialist expertise. But among most business leaders, there remains uncertainty about the specific skills needed. Although specific training uptake remains low, a third of respondents said they would be interested in participating – particularly where funded opportunities are available. It’s heartening to see that local support does exist. Both BCP Council and Dorset Council offer free short courses and events to support Net Zero and ESG planning. In addition, Low Carbon Dorset provides free energy-saving advice alongside grant funding for emission reduction projects. The education sector is also playing its part. Training on sustainability has already reached more than 100 tutors and education staff locally, helping embed green knowledge into mainstream courses. Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Poole College, alongside Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, are now offering green skills training in construction and engineering, supported by the Local Skills Improvement Fund. April 2025 will see the opening of Bournemouth and Poole College’s new Green Skills Centre for Building Services, further strengthening the county’s green credentials. On the financial side, half of businesses now feel more prepared to invest in reducing their carbon footprint – a small but important improvement. However, many smaller enterprises still feel they face a steeper challenge. The momentum towards Net Zero is evident, but it’s clear that more support, clear guidance and sustained investment will be needed if Dorset’s business community is to deliver real change. by Ian Girling
The Hustle Networking Group, launched in December by Amelia Johnson and Roanna Warren, has quickly gained momentum within the North Dorset business community. The monthly meetings, currently held at Hinton Workspace near Sturminster Newton, offer a relaxed opportunity for local professionals, freelancers and business owners to connect. Attendance has remained at near capacity since the first meeting, says Amelia: ‘We have a good balance between regular attendees and new faces, and there’s a broad mix of sectors including entrepreneurs, industry specialists and business owners. We want to help local business people in North Dorset build strong relationships with one another, to create a supportive community. By fostering genuine connections, the group helps members learn from each other: we encourage and refer business to each other, and ultimately work together to grow and succeed as a collective.‘ ‘Every Hustle meeting feels a little different,’ says Roanna. ‘But there’s always time for coffee, conversation – and breakfast! – as much as for sharing ideas and learning something new. ‘Sessions loosely follow a structure of relaxed networking, short introductions or thought exercises and a guest talk. The aim is always the same: to keep things informal and lively but genuinely useful. Recently we paired everyone up and we had to introduce each other. It was a fun challenge and sparked some brilliant intros.’ Guest speakers have become a regular feature, providing practical advice on areas such as a recnt one on the use of social media, where Charlotte Strong recently shared a talk packed full of practical tips and real-world experience. Dorset Business Mentors joined another session, contributing to discussions and offering mentoring support.
Moving forwards Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: one attendee describing the February event said: ‘Well—wow! That really was a Hustling Hustle! Uplifting chats, new contacts, marvellous mentors! Thank you so much. I really enjoyed it.’ Another added, ‘I’ve never found another networking group so genuinely supportive. The friendships and connections made here extend far beyond the monthly meetings. It’s a genuinely sociable and welcoming community.’ Future speakers include Roanna Warren and Bexi Harris on digital marketing and branding (May), artist Katie Scorgie on developing a creative career (June), and Liz McCormick on accountancy for small businesses (July). Organisers have also announced plans to introduce Zoom sessions, evening meetings and informal walk-and-talk events during the summer.
This month my recipe is actually a traditional bake made in the standard way, rather than my crazy version of it (makes a nice change, I know!). I personally think it is wonderful just as it is and rather a forgotten gem of a cake. When I used to make cakes to sell, this one was always a crowd pleaser – it’s a lovely, nostalgic cake for so many people. Perfect in the afternoon sunshine with a hot cup of tea. The most difficult bit of this bake is actually prepping the pan to section off the four sponges: but its worth the extra time for such a tasty end result! – Heather x
– image Heather Brown
Ingredients
225g / 8oz butter
225g / 8oz sugar
4 eggs
225g / 8oz self raising flour
Pink food colouring
Jam (traditionally apricot but any jam will do – I used raspberry)
500g marzipan
How to fold the greaseproof paper for a Battenberg bake – image Heather Brown
– image Heather Brown
Method
Preheat the oven to 180º fan/gas 6.
In a 22cm x 33cm (9”x13”) baking tin, line the bottom completely with greaseproof paper. Then take extra greaseproof paper and fold so that the pan is sectioned into four strips (see picture below right).
In a stand mixer (or with an electric whisk or with a wooden spoon), beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla in a bowl really well. The mixture will become light and fluffy, and the colour will turn pale. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well between each egg. If the mixture curdles slightly, add one spoonful of the flour and continue to beat well.
Slowly stir in the flour. Take care not to beat hard and knock out all of the air that you just worked into the mix!
Carefully spoon half of the mixture into two of the strips in the tin and spread out evenly.
Add a tiny amount of pink food colouring to the remaining mixture and stir through so the mixture is pink in colour. Carefully spoon this pink mixture into the two remaining strips and spread out evenly.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the sponge is cooked (firm and springy to the touch). Take out of the oven and leave to cool completely.
Remove the cakes from the tin and peel off the paper. Trim the sponges until they are roughly the same shape. Although traditionally this cake is square, they don’t have to be square if they all bake to a naturally more rectangular shape (as mine did) – they just have to be the same size as each other. Spread a thin layer of jam along all the long sides of the sponges and stack them together into a cube (see finished picture for what I mean here).
Dust your work surface with a little icing sugar and roll out the marzipan so that it will go around the cake. Carefully drape it around the cake and neaten the edges. Cut the ends off the cake to finish so that the checkerboard effect is revealed (as a kid, those end off cut pieces were my favourite bit!).
I don’t usually use four-letter words in my writing, but here’s one for you – pest. I know, you’re immediately thinking, “Ah yes, those irritating creatures that feast on the plants I’ve so carefully nurtured!” And you wouldn’t be wrong – but I’d like to offer another view. It’s a personal bugbear of mine (excuse the pun) to call ant creature a ‘pest’ – it suggests the only measure of value lies in how much of a nuisance it is to us, and that it should automatically be eliminated if it is unwelcome. As a keen gardener and allotment holder, I completely understand the heartbreak when prized blooms or lovingly grown vegetables suffer a serious nibbling. But it’s vital to recognise that many of the species we label as ‘pests’ are actually integral to the wider garden ecosystem – often providing food for other creatures or playing crucial ecological roles.
Fake news Take codling moth caterpillars, for example – they are a real challenge in orchards and gardens alike with their apple-burrowing habit. However, bats feed on the adult moths, offering welcome, natural protection. Similarly, those winter moth caterpillars responsible for tattered leaves on ornamental and fruit trees are an important food source for many nesting birds. Resorting to pesticides might seem like a quick fix, but it comes at a cost: reducing food for wildlife, disturbing the delicate balance between predator and prey, and causing long-term environmental harm. Some creatures, like slugs, are simply victimes of fake news. Of the 44 slug species found in the UK, only nine are serious plant nibblers. I can already hear you shouting, “Yes, but those nine are all in my garden!” But many slugs – and snails – are essential decomposers, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil. And then there’s the magnificent leopard slug – a naturally carnivorous ‘slug predator’, it’ll happily munch its fellow gastropods.
John Bridges
A little light housekeeping That’s not to say we should abandon our gardens to the wild entirely – a little thoughtful management is often needed. But chemical controls are rarely necessary. Pesticides often affect non-target species – we’re all now familiar with the devastating impact neonicotinoids have had on bees. Herbicides, too, can seep into the soil, disrupting worms, fungi and other vital microorganisms – the building blocks and unsung heroes of a healthy garden. There are plenty of more wildlife-friendly options for managing unwanted guests: physical barriers, companion planting and encouraging natural predators will go a long way. Log piles, for example, offer a haven for beetles, spiders and centipedes, while areas of longer grass provide cover for slow worms, frogs and hedgehogs – all of which are enthusiastic slug-snackers.
In the end, perhaps we can all afford to be a little more forgiving of the odd nibbled leaf. A healthy plant can withstand a bit of grazing – and without using pesticides you’ll be welcoming in ladybirds, lacewing larvae, hoverfly grubs, ground beetles, spiders – and consequently blue tits and hedgehogs – and you’ll have an army of aphids, caterpillars and slug munchers. Look after your soil, and in return, your garden, allotment or shared green space will reward you with the buzzing, humming, flourishing life of a truly diverse ecosystem – nourishment not just for the environment, but for the soul, too. For more ideas, I highly recommend visiting dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.
We love pairing a vintage postcard with a photograph taken in the same spot today. This month Barry has selected Dewlish
The street is still entirely recognisable, though the brick and flint house beyond the crossroads on the left has had a definite roof change at some point.Barely recognisable now: a bridge crosses what was once a ford through Devil’s Brook, and the thatched buildings to the right have both long gone.
From bluebells to beeches, Jane Adams explains how simple nature journaling can reconnect us to the quiet magic unfolding on our doorstep
Do you ever wish you could remember when you last heard a cuckoo? Or the exact date the bluebells bloomed last year? For years, I scribbled these things down on scraps of paper and stuffed them into drawers, thinking I would remember. Obviously, I never did. Then I discovered nature journaling. The best thing about nature journaling is that you don’t need any special skills. It’s not about what you know, it’s about what you notice. It gives you a reason to slow your thoughts and pay close attention to the world around you – something so many of us struggle to do as we bustle through our busy lives. By noting things down, you begin to notice small things. The way a wild bluebell droops to one side. Its subtle, sweet smell. How ridiculously green the leaves of beech trees are when they first emerge. Over days, months and years, small observations grow into a record of something bigger.
The tiny flowers of Germander speedwell are worth crouching down for at this time of year
Don’t worry, just begin How you choose to journal is up to you. Some people like to write things down or take photographs, others make sketches or audio recordings. The beauty is there is no right or wrong way: it’s whatever will fit into your life. It’s probably worth mentioning that nature journaling isn’t a new, trendy fad, people have been doing it for millennia. The naturalist Rev. Gilbert White was keeping a record of nature on his Hampshire patch back in the 1700s. The Natural History of Selborne, his published journal, is still a top seller. But you don’t need to be a monied vicar to have a go: just arm yourself with a cheap notebook, or a free nature journaling app on your phone, and you can start straight away. Journal about a place you know well, somewhere you visit regularly. This could be your garden, a balcony, a nearby park, maybe a favourite footpath or green space. Be sure to concentrate on and record the small things. Crouch down and look at a tiny flower (the flowers of Germander speedwell – like tiny blue jewels – are a highlight at this time of year), or study some Lilliputian lichen on top of a fence post. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you’re looking at (though you could try to identify it when you get home) because identification isn’t the point. It’s about your connection to nature and to the seasons. It’s about knowing that the cuckoo sang on 1st of May last year, that a blackbird nested in your garden in 2019 and that you found a slow worm in the compost heap in 2015. It’s a comforting confirmation of nature’s resilience and determination, even amidst the ever-present challenges of climate change. It’s also an important reminder that we’re part of something bigger, something still unfolding – and those tiny, seemingly insignificant things that connect us to the natural world really do matter.
How to start a nature journal:
Pen and paper: Any notebook will do – small is good (especially if you’re journaling outside and want to pop it in your pocket!). Watercolour sketchbooks are great if you’re drawing (you could also sketch from photos once at home, if that’s easier). Digital tools: Try the free Encounter app developed by nature writer Melissa Harrison, as a digital alternative. You can log what you see on your phone, as well as where you saw it and when, and add photos. It also includes helpful daily posts on seasonal nature to spot, and tips on nature journaling. encounter-nature.com
Suggestions of what to journal: time, date, is it cold or hot, windy or calm … describe, draw or photograph what you notice. Get close up and use your senses. If it’s an insect or flower, what could it be? Take a guess if you don’t know. How do you feel? Are you stressed after a bad day, or calmed by being outside?
This month Barry Cuff has chosen two postcards sent from Bere Regis 40 years apart – the first in 1911, and the second was sent in 1952.
Sent on 13th November 1952 to British Columbia – I suspect they’d disapprove of the Bere Regis traffic in 2025!: Hope you are having a nice birthday. A lovely day here & you are in my thoughts so much. Went to church … & again later, it is so nice he’s here for Easter (?) & for your birthday. Such a tremendous lot of traffic through here these days & such a noise!! Hope you are all well – Love to all D. 13-4-52 BR
This card was sent to Mrs Wilding on 17th April, 1911, and the writer appears to have had problems with their pen: it’s quite the puzzle to read (Postcard presented upside down so you can have a go yourself!): Dearest F, Many thanks for letter & Easter card. All news when I come, will be early next week & then can tell you all. Charlie has been ill I think its a bit of congestion of the lungs … hope soon … … right, I may hope. I can (swing him drone?!) has 32 . … her office on? Much love to all, just dinner time. G… you dear. Hope you all all well. Helen Dell
Buckland Newton CE Primary School is celebrating the outstanding outcome of its recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), which praised the school’s Christian vision, inclusive ethos and inspirational leadership.
Carried out on 1st May, the inspection found that the school lives out its Christian foundation in a way that enables both pupils and staff to flourish. At the heart of this ethos is the school’s vision: “Let your light shine – on everyone, everywhere, every day” (Matthew 5:16). The report commends this vision as a powerful, deeply embedded influence across all aspects of school life, inspiring aspiration, compassion and inclusion.
Key strengths identified in the SIAMS report include:
Inspirational Christian leadership that ensures all strategic decisions reflect the school’s vision
A biblically informed ethos that encourages every individual to shine and support others in doing the same
A strongly inclusive and nurturing environment, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), creating a real sense of belonging
Collective worship that is both meaningful and valued, promoting spiritual reflection and a sense of community
A highly effective Religious Education (RE) curriculum that builds deep understanding and respect for a range of faiths and worldviews
Headteacher Phillip Sales shared his pride in the findings:
“We are delighted with this SIAMS report that shows our school is a flourishing church school. It is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the strength of our school community. We are especially proud that our Christian vision is recognised as being so clearly lived out in everything we do.”
The report also praised a number of innovative initiatives at the school, including its ‘Big Question’ approach to spiritual and ethical reflection, the integration of RE with home learning and community engagement, and a strong emphasis on wellbeing and personal development.
Buckland Newton CE Primary is part of the Sherborne Area Schools’ Trust (SAST), a multi-academy trust made up of 18 schools across Dorset and South Somerset. Sarah Willoughby, who leads the Trust’s Church School Flourishing programme, added:
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with and support Buckland Newton. Inspiring, impressive and inclusive are some of the many adjectives used to describe this amazing church school and I know that they will continue to shine their light, both within their own school and beyond.”
With just 95 pupils, Buckland Newton CE Primary School continues to make a big impact, offering a rich, inclusive and faith-led education that resonates far beyond the classroom.
Expert Karen Geary’s round-up of popular weight-loss approaches – with straight-talking pros, cons and why habits always beat hacks
The sun’s out, you ate too many Easter eggs, and you wouldn’t mind losing a few pounds before summer … But when the media is full of miracle fixes and conflicting advice is everywhere (we’re looking at you, TikTok), how do you know where to start? My advice? Choose something you can stick with for at least eight weeks. You’re ideally looking for something that becomes a lifestyle shift, not just a quick fix. Scroll to the end for my top tips, but first, here’s a breakdown of popular diets:
Calorie Controlled What it is: The classic ‘eat less than you burn’ approach. You track everything you eat, often using apps, to stay within a daily calorie target. What it’s great for: It’s flexible – no foods are off-limits as long as you stay within your calories. It’s evidence-based and works if you’re consistent. Watch outs: It can become tedious, and it’s easy to under-eat or choose low-calorie but low-nutrient foods. Quality matters, not just quantity.
Weight Watchers / Slimming World What it is: There are a number of commercial group programmes available, all using a similar system of points or ‘free foods’, with weekly weigh-ins and community support. What it’s great for: Ideal if you like structure and accountability. The social aspect helps many stay motivated. Watch outs: You won’t learn much about nutrition itself, and some plans encourage highly processed ‘diet’ foods over whole foods.
Fasting (in all forms) What it is: From 16:8 intermittent fasting to 5:2, Fast 800 or alternate-day fasting, the approach is the same. You simply limit when or how often you allow yourself to eat. What it’s great for: Reduces mindless eating and can naturally lower calorie intake. Emerging research links fasting to cellular repair (autophagy) and metabolic health. Watch outs: It’s not magic – if you overeat in your eating window, results stall. It’s not ideal if you have blood sugar issues, high stress or a history of disordered eating.
Modified Mediterranean What it is: A plant-forward diet with healthy fats (like olive oil), fish, whole grains, and moderate portions of dairy and meat. What it’s great for: Supports heart health and gut microbiome diversity thanks to fibre-rich, polyphenol-packed foods. It’s also sustainable and flexible. Watch outs: Portion control still matters for weight loss. It’s easy to overdo bread, pasta and wine if you’re not mindful.
Nordic What it is: Similar to Mediterranean but suited to northern climates – think root veg, berries, oily fish and whole grains like rye and barley. What it’s great for: Seasonal, local eating with a focus on nutrient density and gut-friendly fibres. Great for sustainability, metabolic health, and supporting a healthy microbiome. Watch outs: It can be higher in carbs. Like all diets, successful weight loss depends on portions and balance.
Low Carb What it is: Reduces carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and sugar in favour of protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. What it’s great for: Helps stabilise blood sugar, control appetite and often leads to quick initial weight loss. Watch outs: It’s not a free pass to eat unlimited cheese and bacon! Focus on lean proteins and plenty of veg for fibre.
Ketogenic What it is: A stricter form of low carb – typically under 20-50g of carbs daily – pushing your body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel. High fat, moderate protein. What it’s great for: Can lead to rapid fat loss and reduced hunger. It’s also being explored for effects on mental clarity, mood support, and conditions like chronic fatigue and neurological health. Watch outs: It’s hard to sustain, socially restrictive and can lead to nutrient gaps if not well-planned. Not ideal for everyone, especially long-term, without supervision.
Low Fat What it is: Limits dietary fat, focusing on lean proteins, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. What it’s great for: Encourages plant-based, lower-calorie meals. Still effective for weight loss when based on whole foods. Watch outs: Healthy fats are essential! Avoid the ultra-processed low-fat products which are packed with sugar.
Finally … There’s no one-size-fits-all magic wand. The best diet is just the one you can stick to, that nourishes you, fits your lifestyle and doesn’t make you miserable. Start simple, stay consistent and remember – healthy bodies are built on habits, not hacks.
My top tips (whatever diet you choose):
Don’t skimp on sleep – a tired brain craves sugar.
Walk everywhere – daily movement matters more than gym sessions alone.
Drink your water – daily, aim for 35ml per kg bodyweight (around two litres).
Stick to three meals a day – try to
avoid grazing.
Protein with every meal – aim for palm-sized portions.
Half your plate = veggies – more plants, means fewer processed carbs.
Aim for 30g fibre daily – it keeps you full and supports gut health.
Ditch the snacks – especially those sneaky late-night ones.
Limit alcohol – it’s just empty calories and disrupts fat metabolism.
Be boring – consistency beats variety when dieting (I have Greek yogurt and apple every day!).
No food three to four hours before bed – you’ll have better sleep and digestion.
Enjoy a treat meal once a week – but skip that ‘cheat day’ mindset.
