Rare turtle doves released in South Downs

Thirty endangered turtle doves have been released in the South Downs National Park in a bid to help the species recover in the UK.

The bird is the country's fastest-declining bird species, according to the RSPB charity.

It is now on the Birds of Conservation Concern's red list, meaning it is at high risk of extinction in the UK.

Experts say the turtle doves "seem really happy" and that a further 100 of the birds are due to join them next year.

Turtle doves are Europe's only migratory dove species.

This autumn, they birds are expected to fly around 3,000 miles south to sub-Saharan Africa.

It's hoped they'll make the journey back to the South Downs in spring 2027.

The 30 birds were released in the Selborne area of Hampshire in spring, earlier this year.

Alongside their release, the site was filled with plants that the birds feed on, such as fumitory and vetch and ponds for drinking and nesting.

Park ranger Paul Bushell explained that the aim of the project was for the birds to thrive in the area.

He said: "There are still small numbers of turtle doves living in the national park and we hope that careful releases like this can help create a new and much-needed South Downs stronghold."