Conservationists have released more than 30 turtle doves in the South Downs National Park in an effort to save the UK's fastest-declining bird species from extinction. The dove, best known for its mention in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol, has seen its UK population collapse by 98% between the late 1960s and 2023, and it is now listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern's red list as being at high risk of extinction.

The South Downs National Park Authority released the birds in the Selborne area of Hampshire this spring as part of what it called "urgent efforts" to restore the species, with a further 100 doves being prepared for release next year. Conservationists have also planted feed plants such as fumitory and vetch and restored seven ponds near nesting sites. Park ranger Paul Bushell said the released birds "seem really happy", noting that one female has already returned to lay eggs, and the doves are expected to migrate roughly 3,000 miles to sub-Saharan Africa this autumn before hopefully returning to the South Downs in spring 2027.