New barn owl chick born in Hengistbury Head
It shows the continued recovery of nature across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
A barn owl chick has been born in Hengistbury Head, showing the continued recovery of nature across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
In March, an early-morning walker spotted an owl flying from the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Visitor Centre where a nest box had previously been installed. By April BCP were able to confirm through photos and weekly sightings that barn owls had made the site their home.
The council worked closely with Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) to monitor the owls closely. Dry weather conditions have made the year challenging for wildlife across the country, but the pair of owls have successful raised a chick.
The birth of the barn owl chick was discovered in July by a licensed expert who weighed, ringed and monitored the progress via a discreet camera before it successfully fledged.
This is part of a much wider effort to restore and protect biodiversity across Dorset. Alongside Dorset Council, BCP Council has co-created the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy which sets out 13 priorities for action – from creating wildlife corridors and restoring grasslands to improving rivers and wetlands.
These priorities guide targeted projects that deliver maximum benefit for wildlife, climate resilience and local communities.
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.
Together, these initiatives show how local action – from nest boxes to landscape-scale projects – is helping create a greener, more connected future for wildlife and people alike.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said, “It’s fantastic to see barn owls returning and successfully breeding in our area – a real sign that our efforts to restore habitats and support biodiversity are working.
“Nature recovery isn’t just about protecting wildlife; it’s about creating a thriving, connected landscape where species can flourish for generations to come.
“This success gives us confidence that, with continued action, we can bring more stunning species back to our local countryside.”
Robin Harley, countryside area manager for BCP Council, said, “This is another wonderful sign of nature recovery in Dorset and shows that partnership working and investment in sympathetic management of local habitats pays dividends.
“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.”