Barn owls 'beat odds' to raise chick at reserve

Barn owls have overcome a challenging summer to breed at a nest box installed at a nature reserve in Dorset.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) said the birds were first spotted at the box at Hengistbury Head in March.

The council said, despite a challenging year due to dry weather conditions, the pair "beat the odds to successfully raise a single chick".

Environment councillor Andy Hadley said it was "a real sign that our efforts to restore habitats and support biodiversity are working".

BCP said confirmation that the pair of owls had made the box their home was a "significant milestone for local wildlife".

A licensed expert weighed and ringed the chick which was discovered in July and it was monitored by a camera until it fledged.

Dorset Council and BCP have co-created a nature recovery strategy, setting out 13 priorities including creating wildlife corridors, restoring grasslands and improving rivers and wetlands.

BCP countryside area manager Robin Harley said: "Barn owls are a priority species in the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy, so it's great to see them doing well in a new location."

In July, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were declared the UK's first official Nature Towns, recognising the council's commitment to integrating nature into urban life.