Wildlife

UK Peregrine Falcon: Urban Breeding and Conservation Success

The peregrine has made one of the most remarkable wildlife recoveries in the UK following protection and banning of organochlorine pesticides. Urban populations are now a conservation success story.

Key Facts

UK peregrine population recovered from around 300 pairs in the 1960s to over 1,500 today
Peregrines now breed on cathedrals, power stations, and urban buildings across the UK
Pigeons and starlings form the primary urban prey base
Illegal persecution still occurs, particularly in areas where grouse moor management conflicts with raptors
Urban nest sites are often monitored by volunteer groups with webcam installations
The peregrine is fully protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Welfare Considerations

Peregrines in areas with raptor persecution face mortality risk from poisoning, trapping, and shooting - welfare violations of the highest severity for one of the most charismatic UK raptors. Urban breeding peregrines face novel challenges including window strike mortality of fledglings and disturbance from building maintenance. Volunteer nest watches that monitor urban eyries provide both welfare protection and extraordinary public engagement opportunities.

What You Can Do

Support local raptor study groups monitoring peregrine nest sites
Report any suspected raptor persecution immediately to the police wildlife crime unit and RSPB
Watch peregrine webcams to contribute to public awareness of raptor conservation
Avoid approaching nest sites during the breeding season (February to July)
Advocate for stronger penalties for raptor persecution under UK wildlife law