Barn owl chicks have been ringed in Purbeck for the first time to help track their movements and if the area's conservation-focused farming is working.

The 15 chicks and one adult were ringed at nest sites across three farmland sites in a partnership between Birds of Poole Harbour, Carey Ringing Station and the National Trust.

Mark Singleton, Purbeck's National Trust countryside manager, said: "This is an exciting project and a first for us in Purbeck. Although barn owl numbers have fallen significantly over the past century, there are encouraging signs they may be recovering locally."