My name is Lucy, and I’ve been working with the Trust since April in the role of Trainee – Peregrine Protection. When I started, I knew little about peregrines and the threats they face. I was aware of wider issues of raptor persecution; particularly in the Peak District where grouse moors are known as “black spots” for raptors, but the problem of peregrine nest thefts was new to me. Peregrine falcons today are generally doing well since they were almost wiped out by a combination of persecution and the effects of the insecticide DDT in the 1950’s. This pesticide persisted in the food chain, affecting top predators like peregrines by subjecting them to lethal doses of the poison. Thankfully, DDT was banned, and peregrine populations have bounced back.
In the Peak District, however, where peregrines should be thriving amongst the cliffs and abandoned quarries where they make their nests, breeding success remains low. Wild peregrines are legally protected by Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it a crime to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds at their nest.
Last year I had been working with the RSPB, the Peak District Raptor Monitoring Group, South Peak Raptor Study Group, and Derbyshire Police, to monitor and protect peregrine falcon nests across the Derbyshire Peak District. Together we monitored some of the most at-risk nest sites, collecting data such as key breeding dates, numbers of young fledged, as well as keeping an eye out for any illegal or suspicious activity. I did this at one site with the help of a covert camera system, recording the nest 24 hours a day, from which I captured some magical footage of the chicks growing up and thankfully, all 3 chicks fledged the nest successfully.
The protection work completed last year was a great start, but there is much more that can be done! Peregrines really are magical, and have definitely affected me in a positive way. I hope to be able to share the experience of these birds in their natural habitat.
