This week we’re exploring the fascinating Poole Cliffs, the dramatic backdrop to our beaches that hide millions of years of geology, rare wildlife and even stories of smugglers landing contraband along the coast. We’re also covering changes to the Sandbanks Chain Ferry, which is going cashless from April, plus an update on major cliff stabilisation works planned along the coastline.

Looking ahead to the weekend, we’ve rounded up Mother’s Day ideas, from afternoon tea in historic surroundings to harbour cruises and creative workshops. And as always, there’s plenty happening across Poole this week, including comedy, concerts and live music, so scroll down and see what’s on.

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

The Sandbanks Chain Ferry will stop accepting cash payments from 1 April, its operators have announced.

From that date, all tolls, including those for pedestrians and cyclists, will need to be paid using card or contactless payment.

The change comes alongside new fares approved by the Department for Transport following a public inquiry.

Under the new pricing structure:

The ferry company had also proposed charging drivers to use Ferry Road in Studland to reduce congestion, but the government rejected the plan at this stage.

We loved the positive response to our article on Poole Power Station last week. We even had a reader contact us to say the correct date the chimneys were demolished was actually 3 February 1993 and that they knew because it was the day they were born!

We looked into it further and can now confirm that 3 February is indeed the correct date, supported by a copy of the Evening Echo currently on display at the Power of Poole exhibition at Poole Museum, as well as a BBC News video archive.

We’re always happy to be corrected and really appreciate readers getting in touch accuracy matters to us, so thank you for keeping us on our toes.

Work to stabilise Bournemouth’s East Cliff and reopen part of the promenade could begin later this year.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has confirmed the project has reached a key milestone, with construction expected to start in September 2026, subject to final approvals and the tender process.

The works, funded by a £3 million grant from the UK Government, will focus on stabilising the section of cliff affected by the major landslip in 2016 which damaged the East Cliff lift and surrounding infrastructure.

Once work begins it is expected to take around eight months, depending on weather conditions and engineering requirements.

Managing the cliffs across the BCP coastline is complex, with more than 15 miles of coastline constantly monitored due to natural erosion, groundwater movement and heavy rainfall.

As the East Cliff is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the council is working closely with Natural England to ensure ecological protection. Vegetation clearance will take place outside bird nesting season and the cliff will be reseeded with heathland species once the works are complete.

One of the most famous steam locomotives in the world is returning to Dorset later this year.

The legendary Flying Scotsman will visit Swanage Railway from 23 October to 1 November 2026, hauling passenger services on five days and appearing on static display for the rest of the visit.

Built in 1923, the locomotive became world-famous after becoming the first steam engine to officially reach 100mph.

It previously visited Swanage in 2019 and 2022, drawing huge crowds — and organisers expect similar excitement when it returns during the autumn half-term holidays.

The visit is particularly special because 2026 marks 50 years since volunteers began restoring the Swanage branch line after it closed in 1972.

Conservationists are eagerly awaiting the return of the history-making ospreys that have been breeding near Poole Harbour.

Male osprey 022 and female CJ7 have nested at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham since 2022, becoming the first breeding pair on England’s south coast in around 180 years.

The birds typically migrate to western Africa during the winter and are expected to return in late March.

The pair have been remarkably successful in recent years, raising four chicks in both 2024 and 2025.

Conservation charity Birds of Poole Harbour hopes 2026 could bring even more good news. A young male hatched in 2023 has shown signs of returning to the area and may form a third breeding pair.

A viewing platform and live nest camera allow the public to follow the birds’ progress, although the locations of some nest sites remain secret to protect them from disturbance.

Our favourite local creative magazine, Pier Journal, is hosting a special launch event for its Spring/Summer 2026 edition later this month.

The Spring Social takes place on Thursday 26 March from 7pm to 9:30pm at LUSH HQ on Dolphin Quays, offering a chance to celebrate the release of the latest issue.

Guests will be able to enjoy:

Each ticket includes a goodie bag featuring local products, handmade LUSH items and a copy of the new 100-page journal.

Spaces are limited to 100 tickets, and booking in advance is required.

Get tickets

Local businesses across Poole can access free support and training through Business Growth Dorset, part of a national network of 41 Growth Hubs.

The organisation offers advice, mentoring, networking opportunities and workshops to help businesses start, grow and succeed.

Upcoming events include:

The programmes are open to start-ups, small businesses and established companies across Dorset.

More information and registration details are available at:
https://www.businessgrowthdorset.co.uk/events

This house has a “Pepper Pot” turret and more terracotta pots than Chestnut Nursery. What are you waiting for?👉 View the property

Next time you're on the beach between Branksome Chine and Canford Cliffs, turn around.

Most of us spend our beach days gazing out to sea, but behind you stands something far more ancient than Poole Harbour, older than the British Isles themselves, and full of stories that stretch back nearly 48 million years.

These aren't just pretty cliffs. They're a geological library, a smuggler's highway, and one of the rarest habitats in Britain.

A Colourful Timeline

The cliffs are made predominantly from sand dating back 47.8 million years, part of what geologists call the Branksome Formation. The oldest sections are clays from just after the extinction of the dinosaurs, around 41.2 million years ago. At the very top, the youngest gravel deposits are a mere 2.5 million years old.

Look closely at the different bands of sand and gravel running through the cliff face. They vary from light yellow to deep orange, and if you catch them in the setting sun, the colours can be spectacular. Each layer tells a different chapter in the story of how our coastline formed.

About 10,000 years ago, after the ice sheets disappeared from northern Britain, rising sea levels began to reshape the Dorset coast. The softer rocks eroded away to form Poole Bay, while steep-sided valleys called chines were carved out by water cutting through the soft Eocene sands and clays.

Smugglers' Paradise

Those steep wooded chines weren't just formed by nature. They've been well used by people too, particularly smugglers.

The most famous was Isaac Gulliver, who landed contraband at Branksome Chine and Canford Cliffs before transporting it across Poole Heath. Figs, raisins, tobacco, brandy and tea would be hauled up through the narrow valleys under cover of darkness, with Excise Men and even Captain Tregonwell, the founder of Bournemouth, trying in vain to catch them.

Remnants of the ancient heath Gulliver crossed still exist in pockets at Bourne Valley, Canford Heath, Talbot Heath and Turbary Common.

Rare and Protected

Today, the acidic sands and gravels support maritime heath, one of the rarest habitats in Britain. The mix of heathers, gorse and small sections of sand dune creates a unique ecosystem.

If you're very lucky, you might spot a rare sand lizard basking in the heather, though you're more likely to see non-native wall lizards as they're less shy of people. Rare Dartford warblers occasionally nest in the gorse, while kestrels feeding on lizards are a common sight overhead.

Over the years, non-native species like maritime pine, holm oak and hottentot-fig have been planted on the cliffs. Without management, these can replace the rare heathland plants that make this habitat so special.

Because maritime heath is so rare, parts of the cliffs are designated either as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest or a Site of Special Scientific Interest, giving them legal protection.

Worth a Look

The cliffs continue to evolve. Ongoing erosion from soft sedimentary rocks shapes the chines through marine undercutting, just as it has for thousands of years.

So next time you're on Branksome Beach, take a moment to turn around. That colourful cliff face behind you holds 47 million years of history, smugglers' secrets, and some of the rarest wildlife in Britain.

It's worth more than a glance.

A pair of unique concerts will bring medieval and Tudor music to life at St Aldhelm’s Church in Branksome this spring.

On Tuesday 21 April, Dorset ensemble Courtlye Musick will perform a lunchtime recital exploring music from the reign of Henry VIII. The free concert begins at 1:10pm, with refreshments available and a retiring collection.

Then on Friday 8 May, Courtlye Musick will be joined by Ars Nova from Cherbourg for a special concert celebrating the long-standing Poole–Cherbourg twinning partnership.

Titled Dances and Dalliance, the performance will feature musicians in period costume playing historical instruments, bringing medieval dance music and love songs to life.

Both events take place at St Aldhelm’s Church, Parkstone.

Amelia’s Rainbow Spring Pop Up Shop, GATHER at The Dolphin Centre, Poole, 10am–4pm
Browse crafts, Easter gifts and spring products with up to 75% off RRP, with all proceeds supporting Amelia’s Rainbow – a Dorset charity helping children with serious illnesses.

Tunde: The Voice of Lighthouse Family, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
Former Lighthouse Family singer Tunde celebrates a new chapter in his career and the 30th anniversary of the debut album Ocean Drive

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

BSO: Blue Skies, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform works by Bridge, Ravel and Rachmaninov in an evening of powerful orchestral music.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026: Blue Film Programme, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A thrilling collection of adventure films featuring climbing, skiing and extreme journeys from around the world.

Our Little Hour: The Walter Tull Story, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A moving musical telling the true story of pioneering footballer and First World War officer Walter Tull.

The Harry Skinner Band (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Poole, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Enjoy live music from The Harry Skinner Band in the pub’s popular midweek music night.

Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
The acclaimed surreal comedian returns with a brand-new stand-up show full of improvisation and unexpected twists.

Stevie Martin: Clout 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Comedian Stevie Martin brings her sell-out tour show back due to huge demand after a successful first leg.

DJ Set: Subconscious, Bermuda Triangle, Poole, 8pm–11pm
An evening of bass, melodic and tech house in the Club Room.

An Evening with Kate Adie CBE DL, Merley House, Wimborne, arrival from 5:15pm, talk begins 6pm
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care host a special evening with the renowned war correspondent sharing stories from her extraordinary career. Book

The Music of Prince – The Candlelight Concert, St Peter’s Church, Poole, 7:30pm
Experience the iconic songs of Prince performed live in a spectacular candlelit setting. Book tickets

The Big Nite Out (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Poole, 9pm–11pm
High-energy live music to kick off the weekend.

The Wiseguys (Live Music), Tap & Grape, Broadstone, 9pm
A popular local covers band playing rock, pop and party classics from the 70s to today.

Cutting Edge Band (Live Music), The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 9pm
Live music night featuring the energetic local band Cutting Edge.

Mother’s Day Sauna Weekend, The BAKE Yard Sauna, Wimborne, 9am–5pm
Enjoy community sauna sessions with 20% off across the Mother’s Day weekend. Book your session

Greenpeace Campaign Day, GATHER at The Dolphin Centre, Poole, 10am–4pm
Meet local Greenpeace campaigners, take part in quizzes, sign petitions and enjoy environmental activities for all ages.

The Big Swim 2026, Sandbanks Beach, Poole
A celebratory cold-water swim for women of all abilities marking International Women’s Day, followed by beach community activities. Book your swim

The 80s Show, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A high-energy tribute celebrating the biggest hits of the 1980s in a spectacular live show. Book tickets

Ardal O’Hanlon: Not Himself, Lighthouse Poole, 7:45pm
The Father Ted star returns with a brand-new stand-up show reflecting on modern life and the absurdities of getting older.

Coastal Comedy: March 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A triple bill of stand-up comedy featuring three top acts and a host in the Sherling Studio.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Poole, 9pm–11pm
Enjoy live jazz and blues sounds from Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Scott Slattery (Live Music), HonkyTonk Collective, 9pm
Free live music featuring country singer Scott Slattery.

Mother’s Day Dining, The Cow, Parkstone
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a special menu including roasts, burgers and desserts for the whole family.

Mother’s Day Sauna Weekend, The BAKE Yard Sauna, Wimborne, 9am–5pm
Relaxing sauna sessions and cold dips with 20% off for the weekend. See link above to book

Bloom & Bramble Mother’s Day Floristry Workshop, GATHER at The Dolphin Centre, Poole, 10am–4pm
Drop in and create a beautiful handmade bouquet guided by local florist Jenn. No experience needed.

Regency Inspired Afternoon Tea, Upton House at Upton Country Park, 1:30pm–3pm
Enjoy a Regency-themed afternoon tea in the historic drawing room, with optional period dress encouraged. Book tickets

Mother’s Day Lunch, The Britannia, Parkstone
Celebrate Mother’s Day with classic Sunday roasts and a special stuffed lamb shoulder roulade.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Cruise, Poole Harbour
Enjoy afternoon tea while cruising past Sandbanks, Brownsea Island and the Jurassic Coast. Book your cruise

Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Poole, 4pm–6pm
Sunday afternoon blues performance from Zoe Schwarz and band.

The Talented Mr Ripley, Lighthouse Poole
A new stage adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller starring Ed McVey and Maisie Smith.

Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30–10.30pm Every Monday with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person with jackpot win up for grabs. Fast-paced, fun and competitive.

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