New Bradford project launches to protect peregrine falcons

Peregrine falcons would soon be seen from specially-installed CCTV cameras

A nesting box has been installed on top of one of Bradford's tallest structures as part of a project to boost the city's peregrine falcon population.

Steeplejacks climbed the chimney at Lister Mill on Friday to mark the launch of the Bradford Peregrine Trail.

It is hoped the mill will soon host a family of falcons through the scheme to aid their breeding success.

Residents might also get to see the birds of prey nesting there from newly-installed livestream cameras.

The project will connect five of the district's most recognisable buildings, between Dalton Mill and City Hall.

It has been led by Bradford Urban Wildlife Group, funded by Natural England and supported by naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham.

Steeplejacks installed the falcon nest and livestream cameras

The installation this week marked a milestone for the project, which aims to help resident urban peregrine falcons to breed and allow people in Bradford to engage with wildlife.

Paul Wheatley, volunteer conservationist and peregrine project lead at Bradford Urban Wildlife Group, said: "Peregrine falcons have been resident at the chimney for at least two decades, but rarely have breeding success.

"So we hope our new nest box will give them a helping hand."

Earlier this year, the project was granted planning permission, but it seemed to divide opinion.

The new project would connect five of the district's most recognisable buildings, between Dalton Mill and City Hall

Although there were numerous letters to Bradford Council supporting the idea, concerns from many in the racing pigeon community led to a flurry of objections too.

David Campbell, biodiversity officer at Bradford Council, said: "We understand that pigeon racers were concerned about the impact of the peregrines, but it's worth noting that the project is merely working to improve nesting conditions for birds already resident in Bradford and will certainly not attract more peregrines, as has been suggested," he said.

He also reassured residents that the apex predators played a "critical role" in the ecosystem and posed "no threat" to native songbirds.

The Bradford Peregrine Trail would link five locations across the region - Dalton Mill in Keighley, the Damart Factory in Bingley, Salts Mill in Saltaire, Lister Mill in Manningham, and City Hall.