The Stray Ferret

The Stray Ferret, local journalism for the Harrogate district

The Stray Ferret is a news service that reports on Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham. Its stated aim is to act as a reliable source of local information, fact-checking for accuracy and giving residents as much detail as possible on the stories it covers. The publication describes itself as committed to holding power to account, being first for breaking news and producing in-depth, investigative reporting on local issues.

Alongside hard news, the title covers the life of the district: it says it champions what makes the area distinctive, reports on the achievements of individuals and businesses and highlights upcoming events. Its editorial output is organised around sections including News & Features, Politics, Transport, Lifestyle, Community, Business, Crime, Environment, Health, Education and Sport, with area pages for each of the six towns it serves.

Ownership and editorial independence

The Stray Ferret is jointly owned by director Tamsin O'Brien, who holds editorial control, and Chris Bentley of Hornbeam Park Developments Ltd, who the publication states has no editorial involvement. The title presents itself as committed to the core journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, independence and impartiality, and it is externally regulated by IMPRESS, with a published complaints procedure.

Funding through subscriptions and advertising

In July 2024 the publication moved to a subscription model combined with local advertising. It states that producing quality local news costs time and money and that it can only continue if readers value the service. A free newsletter is also offered, and the site carries a dedicated subscription section with separate terms and conditions. Subscribers gain access to a savings scheme listing offers from local businesses, such as discounts on activities, in-store and online purchases and treatments.

The editorial team

• Tamsin O'Brien, Director. Spent 20 years at BBC News and was previously head of BBC Yorkshire and the North West of England. Her career covered events including the Hillsborough Tragedy, the 7/7 Bombings and the trial of Harold Shipman. She has lived in the Harrogate area for 18 years.
• John Plummer, Editor. Began his journalistic career at the Wisbech Standard in 1989 and has worked as a writer and editor for numerous publications, including The Times and Third Sector. A long-term Killinghall resident.
• Calvin Robinson, Chief Reporter. Was one of the BBC's first Local Democracy Reporters in Lincolnshire, with a focus on local government and the public sector, investigative reporting and data-driven journalism.
• John Grainger, Senior Journalist. Brings extensive knowledge of the region to the title's reporting.

What the newsroom covers

The site's reporting spans crime and court cases, local democracy, transport, education, health, environment, business and community affairs, alongside arts and culture reviews, sport and a weekly round-up of things to do. It also carries listings for community events across the district, a podcast, a jobs section and a platform inviting readers to submit questions, share views and post their own events. The publication states that it wants to hear opinions and views on what it covers and provides a contact route for readers.