A BARN owl chick has hatched at Hengistbury Head marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing recovery of wildlife across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The journey began in March when an early-morning walker spotted a barn owl flying in the area.

Weekly sightings followed, and by April, photographs confirmed that a pair of barn owls had made the site their home – a major win for local conservation.

With the owls’ distinctive screeching echoing from the nest box, Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) closely monitored the pair.

Despite a challenging national year for barn owls, with dry conditions threatening many nests, the pair successfully raised a single chick.

Licensed experts discovered the chick in July, weighing, ringing and monitoring it via a discreet camera until it fledged safely.

The nest box is located near the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, offering nature-lovers a chance to glimpse the birds.

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.”

Robin Harley, Countryside Area Manager for BCP Council, added: “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.”

This success is part of a wider push to restore biodiversity across Dorset, guided by the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

From creating wildlife corridors and restoring grasslands to improving rivers and wetlands, these projects are designed to benefit wildlife, climate resilience and communities.

BCP Council is also leading nationally. In July, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were named the UK’s first official ‘Nature Towns’, recognising efforts to integrate nature into urban life.