The Derby Cathedral peregrine pair welcomed the chicks at the end April and since then the public have been watching the chicks as they grow via the live webcams. Now, with sponsorship from Derby Cathedral Quarter BID, the Trust is inviting people to immerse themselves in all things peregrines and catch a glimpse of these remarkable creatures in real life at watchpoint events on 18th and 25th May, and 1st and 8th June.
Everyone attending the events will gather at the Cathedral Green, to the rear of Derby Cathedral, where high-quality scopes will be set up to offer a close-up view of this year’s peregrine chicks at their home on the Cathedral nesting platform.
Staff and volunteers from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and partners from the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project will be on hand to engage attendees in peregrine-themed activities, crafts and games from making bird feeders to making you very own peregrine to fly around.
Emma Dickinson-Wood, Wild Wellbeing Team Leader at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to have our first chicks of 2024 last month. We have been excitedly watching the chicks on the webcams over the last few weeks, but we can’t wait to welcome visitors to the Peregrine watchpoints to see the Peregrines up close.
“Everyone who joins us can learn about falcons, and the conservation efforts put into helping this amazing species. The experience also allows people to connect with nature which we know is great for people’s wellbeing.
“We’re really grateful to Derby Cathedral Quarter BID for their support in making this event possible this year. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious, the Peregrine Watch Point events will be and unforgettable experience for all ages!”
Eve Taylor, BID Project Executive at Derby Cathedral Quarter BID said:
“We have proudly been part of the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project partnership since 2008, and we are really looking forward to being a part of the watchpoints over the next few weeks. The social media coverage we have released of the chicks journey so far has been very popular with our followers over the past few weeks and we invite everyone to come along and view these majestic birds for themselves and learn all about the future movements of the chicks once they have fledged.”
Peregrines have been nesting on the Cathedral tower since 2006. They are the world’s fastest bird, able to reach speeds of up to 200mph when diving down onto prey. They nest in high places such as urban towers and rural cliffs and have excellent binocular vision allowing them to see prey from as far as 3km away.
The Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project is a partnership between Derby Cathedral, Derby Cathedral Quarter BID, Derby City Council, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the project.
