New breeding peregrine falcons discovered in Peak District
A new pair of peregrine falcons along with two chicks have been discovered in the High Peak Moors in the Peak District. The find takes the total number of successful breeding pairs in the National Park to six, double the average since the Peak District Bird of Prey Initiative began reporting in 2012.
Peregrine chick in Peak District credit Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group
This year, three pairs have bred successfully on land owned by the National Trust with a fourth pair breeding on land close by.
The peregrine population in the UK significantly declined in the 1960s as a result of human persecution and pesticides. While improved legislation and protection has helped to increase the number of breeding pairs to around 1,769 across the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands this is still extremely low, especially in upland areas. In the Peak District moors the ambition is to reach at least 17 breeding pairs.
Peregrines are the largest of the wild falcons that breed regularly in the UK. They have dark grey feathers on top with white below and black bars across its underside. They also have a very distinctive ‘mask and moustache’ marking.
At the time they were discovered, the chicks were estimated to be around 25 days old and doing well. It is hoped they will continue to thrive and help to increase the numbers of this impressive raptor which can fly at speeds of over 200mph.
Volunteers from the Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group (PDRMG) found the nest on land cared for by the National Trust. Working in partnership with the Trust, and licenced by the British Trust for Ornithology and Natural England, the PDRMG volunteers have ringed the birds so they can be monitored in the future.
National Trust Area Ranger in the Peak District, Kait Jones, said: “The discovery of the latest two chicks was really exciting. Identifying a new breeding pair along with two healthy chicks is very promising for their future in this area. While the location is thankfully remote, it is not where we’d expect to find a nest.
“We think they may have chosen the site partly because of the lack of disturbance earlier in the year during lockdown when wildlife had the place to themselves. Together with our partners from the local Raptor Monitoring Group and our tenants, we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe.
“It’s vital that any visitors who may come across the sites keep their distance at this key time in the chick’s development. If the parents are disturbed, they may not return to feed the youngsters and they will sadly die.”
Jon Stewart, General Manager for the National Trust in the Peak District, said: “Our vision is for the moors to be a landscape full of wildlife and we’re working with our tenants and partners to help achieve this. The fact that this and other birds of prey are making their home here in the Dark Peak is a sign that our High Peak Moors Vision of maintaining a healthy, natural environment is paying off for wildlife.
“The peregrine is one of the most exciting species of the moors so it is brilliant to have a new breeding pair. If we give them the opportunity to thrive and grow up, these chicks will become the fastest animals in the world. It’s known that stooping adults hunting prey can reach speeds of over 200mph. That is something to wonder at.”
The National Trust is encouraging all visitors to the Peak District to play their part in looking after this special environment which is home to so many species of wildlife.
“Everyone can help to look after wildlife,” explained Area Ranger, Kait Jones. “It’s pretty simple really, we ask people to please stick to paths, avoid making fires or using barbecues and keep their dogs on a short lead. As these chicks show, you never know what you’ll find around the corner.”
To find out more about the National Trust’s Vision for the High Peak Moors please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-high-peak-moors-vision
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