Hampshire & Isle of Wight weekly round-up: 24 February - 1 March 2024

Portsmouth-based artist Olana Light has revealed she had donned the wooden walking tree costume that went viral on social media

A story about solving the mystery around a walking birch tree in Southampton was among our most read stories this week in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

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.

The mystery of Southampton's walking birch tree

A walking tree that went viral on social media left thousands wondering who could be behind the extravagant wooden costume.

Video of the art installation was watched thousands of times in January, with many speculating about what it could mean.

In a YouTube video, Portsmouth-based artist Olana Light has revealed she was responsible for the mystery, explaining it was part of her model birch tree collection that can be found at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey.

The multidisciplinary artist said her work "reflects the multiplicities of identity and a never-ending pursuit of belonging".

Portsmouth to host UK's 80th D-Day anniversary events

The D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth, in June, will see ceremonies on a purpose-built stage constructed on Southsea Common

Portsmouth will host the UK events to mark 80 years since D-Day, it has been announced.

Veterans will join service personnel in the naval city on Tuesday to mark 100 days until the anniversary.

The names of 13 veterans from 12 allied countries will be added to the city's Normandy Memorial Wall as part of the commemorations.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also announced Portsmouth would hold a televised D-Day event on 5 June.

Wightlink passengers stranded after night ferries cancellations

Crossings were cancelled over "technical issues", according to Wightlink

Passengers were left stranded after a ferry company cancelled its late-night crossings.

Wightlink, which runs services between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, suspended car ferries on 24 February, blaming "technical issues" in an email to customers.

No ferries ran after 22:00 GMT from Portsmouth and 23:00 from Fishbourne, according to Wightlink's social media.

New Forest warning over dog-flea chemicals in ponds

There is concern that anti-flea and tick treatments are washing into watercourses

Anti-flea and tick treatments for dogs could be harming sensitive streams and ponds in the New Forest, conservationists have warned.

A study by Wild New Forest and the Freshwater Habitats Trust showed high levels of imidacloprid, found in spot-on treatments, at four locations.

Previous research found it negatively affected insect species.

The New Forest Dog Owners Group (NFDOG) said owners should be made aware of less harmful alternative treatments.

Ronnie Kray warned of 'life of misery' to Fred Dinenage

A recording of gangster Ronnie Kray telling young people crime only brings "a life of misery" has been discovered.

Twin brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray ran a gangland empire in London during the 1950s and 60s and were sent to prison for 30 years for murder.

Television presenter Fred Dinenage has uncovered recordings from one of his visits with one of the Kray twins.

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