About New Forest Dispatch
New Forest Dispatch (formerly New Forest Business News) is an independent news publication covering the New Forest and Hampshire, UK.
We publish clear, trustworthy local journalism, from breaking news and council decisions to deeper investigations, community issues, and stories that matter to residents and businesses.
Founded and edited by journalist Kerri L Watt, New Forest Dispatch was created to offer something different in local media - careful, slow reporting with no corporate owners, no ad pop-ups, no political agenda, and absolutely no ‘icky’ clickbait.
Our monthly briefing is free to receive and includes a roundup of local news and stories. Alongside this, we publish deeper investigations and important updates to keep residents and businesses fully informed.
So, I do hope you’ll join us.
What we cover
Local government and council news
Business, environment and local services
Housing, planning and development
Rural crime and policing
Transport, infrastructure and community campaigns
“Your Voices” - letters from councillors, residents, businesses and community groups
Investigations into issues that need deeper reporting
If it affects people in the New Forest or Hampshire, we aim to cover it.
Our free monthly briefing includes…
a roundup of local news with updates for residents and businesses
relevant local government updates
reader letters from councillors or residents
How we’re funded
New Forest Dispatch is independently run and reader-supported.
We keep our journalism free to read because we believe access to local news is vital - but reader support, sponsorships and upgraded membership donations help fund the work that goes into:
interviews and on-the-ground reporting
deeper investigations into complex issues
attending council meetings
Freedom of Information requests
Every bit of support helps keep independent local news alive.
Got a story?
We’re always listening.
If you have a tip, story idea, question, or something happening in your part of the Forest, you can contact me directly:
📧 editor@newforestdispatch.co.uk
💬 Twitter/X: @NFDispatch
Anonymous tips are always welcome, and full discretion is assured.
Support New Forest Dispatch
Independent local journalism takes time and resources.
If you’d like to help fund investigations and keep our reporting free for everyone, you can support NFD through tips or sponsorships.
👉 Back our independent reporting
👉 Become a sponsor (get your business in front of our engaged readers)
