Conservationists working to protect a population of seahorses off the Dorset coast have counted the highest number of the creatures since the Covid pandemic.

The absence of boats and people in Studland Bay during lockdown meant seahorse numbers peaked in 2020 but quickly diminished when restrictions were eased.

Volunteers regularly monitor the habitat to assess the impact of eco-moorings, which have been installed to stop boat anchors damaging the seagrass habitat.