Peregrine falcons thrive during lockdown

Helping falcons take to the skies
With a wingspan that typically reaches 1.2 metres, peregrines are the largest of the wild falcons that breed in the UK. Sadly numbers of these majestic birds had fallen significantly by the 1960s and 1970s. While improved legislation and protection have helped to increase the number of breeding pairs to around 1,769 across the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands, their presence is still low, especially in upland areas.
By working in partnership with partners British Trust for Ornithology, Natural England and volunteers from the Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group, many of the birds at High Peak have been ringed so we can continue to monitor their progress.
Kait Jones, Area Ranger for the Peak District, said: '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, added: '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.'