Natural England

Earlier this week, National Nature Reserve Manager Craig Ralston was contacted by Jean Thorpe, who runs a wildlife rehabilitation centre, (Ryedale Rehabilitation) who told him that a Peregrine falcon chick had fallen from its nest 16m above the ground in a Yorkshire quarry. She asked Craig if it could be returned to its nest.

Not one to miss a call from his feathered friends, keen birdwatcher Craig flew into action. After several calls to climbing clubs and rescue services, Birches Plant Hire in York provided Craig with a ‘cherry picker’ crane to enable him to safely restore the chick to its nest and siblings. Throughout the mission, mum circled and called from above whilst keeping a beady eye on her nest.

Craig Ralston, Natural England’s reserve Manager for the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve said ‘it's been a real team effort to save this young Peregrine from starvation or being predated. The quarry owners and staff have to be congratulated for carefully keeping watch over their special guests and keeping their presence a well guarded secret. Jean Thorpe from Ryedale Rehabilitation did an excellent job of caring for the chick over the weekend whilst a rescue mission was planned, and we are particularly grateful to Birches Plant Hire in York for making available plant hire for this unusual request’.

He added ‘Although these birds aren’t viewable by the public at the nest, it is great to know that another three young birds will be leaving the nest soon and heading out over the skies of Yorkshire. Seeing one is a full stoop, reaching speeds of 180 kilometres an hour as they chase after their prey, it something truly memorable and special and that chance has just gone up a little’.

Craig and the team are running a series of wildlife events throughout the summer at Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve near York. For more information and a programme, please call the Natural England York office on 01904 435500.

Notes to editors

Further information including a photo of Craig with the bird is available from Emma MacDonald in the regional Natural England press office on 0113 2303533 or emma.macdonald@naturalengland.org.uk

The peregrine falcon is a species protected by law and has increased over recent decades following the catastrophic declines seen with DDT use in the 1960’s. However, they are still targeted by egg collectors and by those who destroy eggs, chick and adults.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.