Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Recovery 2026: Urban and Rural Welfare

Peregrine populations continue to expand in both urban and rural settings in 2026, with welfare monitoring supporting population management.

Key Facts

UK peregrine population exceeds 1,500 breeding pairs, stable or increasing
Urban pairs increasingly use industrial and commercial buildings as well as cathedrals
Ringing and satellite tagging of peregrines provides individual welfare monitoring data
Illegal persecution still suppresses populations in some highland and grouse moor areas

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine welfare is a function of persecution pressure, nest site security, and prey availability. Urban populations with high nest security and prey abundance are thriving. Highland and grouse moor populations continue to suffer welfare losses from illegal persecution requiring ongoing enforcement.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and local peregrine monitoring groups with volunteering or reporting
Report any suspected peregrine persecution immediately to RSPB Investigations
Provide nest platform structures on suitable industrial and commercial buildings