First chicks of 2024 hatch in Derby Cathedral peregrine project

Bird watchers are celebrating after the first peregrine falcon chicks of the year hatched at Derby Cathedral.

A female falcon was spotted laying her first eggs of 2024 in March.

Three of four eggs hatched over the weekend, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said.

The birds of prey - the world's fastest animal and able to reach speeds of up to 200mph (322km/h) - have been nesting on the cathedral tower since 2006, with twitchers able to watch live online.

Peregrine falcons have been encouraged to nest in the tower of Derby Cathedral since 2006

Peregrine falcons nest in high places such as urban towers and rural cliffs, with their binocular vision allowing them to see prey from as far as 1.8 miles (3km) away.

Nick Brown, enquiries officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, set up the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project with Nick Moyes in 2006.

He said he was "absolutely thrilled" at the arrival of the first chicks of 2024.

"[We] will be watching closely to see if the fourth egg will hatch too," he said.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors to the peregrine watchpoints in May and June to catch a glimpse of these remarkable creatures."