Owl you need is love: barn owl chick born on Hengistbury Head

Image credit: Scott Usher

A barn owl chick has been born on Hengistbury Head – in a fantastic demonstration of nature’s continued recovery across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Back 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.

Weekly sightings of the owl followed, and, by April, we were able to confirm through photos that a pair of barn owls had made the site their home – a significant milestone for local wildlife.

With distinctive screeching calls echoing from the nest box, we worked with the Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) to monitor the pair closely.

And despite a challenging year nationally, with dry weather conditions hampering many nests, the pair beat the odds to successfully raise a single chick.

This incredible birth was discovered in July by a licensed expert who weighed, ringed and monitored the progress via a discreet camera before it successfully fledged.

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.”

This success story 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.

BCP Council is also leading the way nationally. 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.