Political peregrines: birds of prey spotted homemaking on the Houses of Parliament

30th September, 2008

Peregrine falcons have been spotted holding territory on the Palace of Westminster for the first time. London Wildlife Trust volunteers noticed the pair perched on the iconic building whilst carrying out survey work for this important bird of prey, and have been keeping an eye on them ever since.

Peregrines are doing well in London, using the city’s tall buildings and structures as substitutes for their traditional crag and cliff-ledge nesting sites. Buildings can be important habitats for some species in urban areas, and man-made structures can be designed and improved to encourage peregrines and other wildlife – something London Wildlife Trust is actively encouraging developers to do.

London Wildlife Trust volunteer, and London Peregrine Working Group member, David Morrison has been monitoring London’s peregrine population since 2000 and has dedicated many hours to conserving these beautiful birds. David says “Discovering a pair of peregrines are holding territory on Parliament is incredibly exciting. Perhaps surprisingly, London actually has the largest population of breeding urban peregrines in the UK. I monitor eight pairs, but I know there are at least 13 pairs within the London Natural History Society boundary and there are very likely more”.

The peregrine falcon’s colonisation of London is part of a national resurgence after a serious decline in the mid 20th century, mainly due to pesticide poisoning and illegal persecution. There are still only around 1,500 pairs of peregrines in the UK today. However, it was confirmed that peregrines had started breeding in the capital in 2001, and pairs have been spotted on other London landmarks including Tate Modern, Battersea Power Station and the Millennium Dome. This is the first time that a pair has been spotted holding territory on the Houses of Parliament.

Emily Brennan, London Wildlife Trust’s Director of Biodiversity Conservation says: “It is fantastic news that more peregrines have been spotted homemaking in central London, and highlights just how important the built environment can be as wildlife habitat.

“London Wildlife Trust envisages the capital as A Living Landscape that is designed to be both wildlife and climate friendly, and where man-made structures have a positive role to play in the ecosystem. Design for Biodiversity (D4B) is crucial to the long term sustainability of London.

“With partners, the Trust is working to encourage, inform and assist London’s planners, developers and builders in making the right decisions for biodiversity and people’s access to nature. D4B emphasises the importance of creating features to enhance and connect biodiversity in the design of the built environment and open spaces. It would be wonderful to see even more wildlife making the capital their home” says Emily.

Joan Ruddock MP, Minister for Wildlife says: “This is wonderful news. Seeing these magnificent birds in the centre of the capital reminds us we are all connected to our natural environment wherever we live and work.”

Story by RSWT

More Information

Image Credit: Peregrine falcon perched on the Houses of Parliament © David Morrison 2008

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