Norwich Cathedral peregrine preserved after death 'for education'

TD the peregrine died in a plane strike in July

A two-month-old peregrine falcon has been "preserved for the education of future generations" following its death in a plane strike.

The female, known as TD, was hatched in late April by a pair nesting on the spire of Norwich Cathedral.

She died after flying into a light aircraft taking off at Norwich Airport.

She was taken to a taxidermist and will be displayed at the cathedral's peregrine "watchpoint" as her "legacy".

The Hawk and Owl Trust set up the watchpoint - a platform, telescopes and webcams - at Norwich Cathedral after peregrines were first seen there in 2009.

TD was one of four to hatch this spring.

The peregrine was one of four hatched at the end of April

TD - pictured on the day she fledged

"She was so photogenic and such a character - always putting on a display," said Chris Skipper, a wildlife photographer who runs the Norwich Peregrines Facebook group.

When she died in July, he made the decision to take TD to a taxidermist, who was recommended by Natural England.

Mr Skipper (right) collected TD from Derek Frampton and took her home to Norwich

The mounted TD looks "beautiful", said Mr Skipper

TD will be placed in a glass case at the cathedral next year

"I was nervous about whether I was doing the right thing, as I wanted her to look how she should look, but there was a huge outpouring of love for TD after her death, and a lot of people donated money to have this done," Mr Skipper said.

He was pleased with the result when he collected the bird from London last week.

• Fledged BT peregrines learn survival skills

• Duo refix weathercock on 300-foot cathedral spire

• Bishop delivers sermon from helter-skelter

"She does look so beautiful," he said.

The plan is to have TD on display at the watchpoint next season for "educational purposes".

Mr Skipper added: "Wildlife needs all the help it can get, and if just one person is inspired and goes on to do something positive, then that is worth it.

"That will be TD's legacy."

Protected by law, there are only about 2,000 peregrines in the UK

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [e-mail]