Dorset weekly round-up: 15 January - 20 January 2024

Farm machinery was used to pull the cows out of the pit

A story about a group of cows that became trapped in an underground slurry pit among our most viewed content this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

BBC Winterwatch set for live shows from Arne in Dorset

Winterwatch presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Gillian Burke return to our screens on Tuesday

BBC Winterwatch returned to screens live from the heart of the UK's first "super" National Nature Reserve.

The wildlife show, presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Iolo Williams, was broadcast directly from RSPB Arne in Dorset for four nights.

The programme, which highlights the area's native wildlife such as white-tailed eagles, is the first Winterwatch to be set in Dorset since 2017.

Collections help Afghans housed in Chickerell military camp

The town council has been collecting donations for families housed at the camp

The response to an appeal to help people who fled Afghanistan and are now housed in a military camp has been "overwhelming", a council has said.

The Chickerell Camp near Weymouth in Dorset is being used to accommodate those who had supported the UK government and military in Afghanistan.

Chickerell Town Council said it was collecting warm clothes, shoes and toys for individuals and families and five van loads had so far been delivered to the camp.

Cows pulled from underground slurry pit by fire crews

Firefighters climbed into the pit to attach strops to the trapped cows

Six cows have been rescued from an underground slurry pit by fire crews.

The animals became trapped after falling through an inspection cover on the farm near Tolpuddle on Thursday morning.

Two firefighters had to climb into the pit to attach strops around the cows so they could be lifted to safety.

Museum in bid to buy Bronze and Iron Age treasure found in Dorset

The 40 gold stater coins originate from France in the 2nd century BCE

A museum is fundraising to acquire two "important and unusual" hoards of Bronze and Iron Age treasure that were found in Dorset.

Dorset Museum and Art Gallery wants to buy a group of 40 coins dating from 2nd Century BC, as well as a Bronze Age axe head, bangle and sword.

The combined value of the hoards is estimated at more than £32,000.

Arts University Bournemouth awarded £1.6m grant for centre to study plastic

Arts University Bournemouth said it would explore how plastics degrade over time

A university has been awarded £1.6m from Research England to create a centre for studying plastic.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has received the grant so it can explore how plastics degrade over time or behave in different environments.

The centre will work with experts at the AUB's Museum of Design in Plastics.