Combine harvester on a farm in West Sussex as rural crime surges - ITV News

New figures have revealed the devastating impact of rising rural crime on families and businesses across the South East. A farmer from West Sussex, where the cost of rural crime has risen by 76% within one year, says he's lost thousands of pounds.

Surge in rural crime across the South East costing industry £8.7m

A mother is calling for signs warning about the presence of Giant Hogweed to be posted on public footpaths, after her children ended up in a specialist medical unit needing treatment for burns and blisters.

Giant Hogweed leaves children with burns and blisters

The attraction closed in March due to government social distancing guidelines. The conservation charity says "safety is at the forefront" of the re-opening.

Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire reopens to the public 

Saturday marks the longest day of the year and nature across the South East has bloomed. 

Field of poppies captured from the sky in Faversham

It's believed the 18 young male cows were spooked by a dog and escaped to the Falmer campus through a break in a fence.

Herd of cows invade Sussex university campus

Only those who have pre-booked can park and use the private beach. Tickets have sold out for its first three days of operation.

West Wittering beach sold out as it reopens to visitors

Travel restrictions had led to warnings that producers would face labour shortages as many pickers come from overseas.

Furloughed workers urged to 'Pick for Britain' to make up labour shortfall

With less traffic and fewer people around, gardens have become a haven for nocturnal visitors. Hedgehogs and even badgers have been spotted.

The nocturnal visitors venturing out in the lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned stricter restrictions could be imposed if the public does not follow social distancing advice.

Hundreds descend on tourist hotspots despite social distancing advice

Twenty community projects across the South Downs National Park will benefit from over half a million pounds raised by a levy on developers.

Community projects across South Downs to benefit from half a million pounds

Rod Lewry, from Dover, been climbing electricity poles ever since he was a teenager.  And now, in his seventies he plans to carry on,


The linesman who's been scaling electricity poles for decades

Wildlife campaigners are stepping up their fight to save part of a Buckinghamshire nature reserve which could be cleared to make way for HS2

Campaigners fight to stop HS2 works at nature reserve

Our Spirit of the South series celebrates the region's hidden treasures. A journey back to simpler times at Little Woodham in Hampshire.

Spirit of the South: The living history village ... Little Woodham in Gosport

Berkshire based wildlife rescue centre, Swan Support, is calling for dog owners to keep their animals on leads.

Dog attacks on swans on the rise in Berkshire

The South and South East's reputation for superb beaches has been confirmed again with many beaches given the Blue Flag status this year. 

Meridian Countryside