PlymBridge Peregrine Watch

Click here for an illustrated childrens version of this web page.

For many years now there have been peregrine falcons breeding on a cliff face on the outskirts of the city of Plymouth, Devon (UK), although there is little documented evidence of their success or failure. Peregrine falcons are not the rarest of the birds of prey to be found in this country, yet they are a spectacular sight and one that gives pleasure to the many people who can witness their behaviour.

Cann Quarry is easily visible from a viaduct that carries the Plym Valley cycleway over the River Plym on its way from Plymouth up to Dartmoor. It is a very heavily used route by both local people and visitors to the area. The sharp-sighted walker or cyclist will soon notice the activities of the birds as they wheel in the sky and hunt for prey. There have also always been ravens nesting on the cliff and in recent years these two species of bird seem to have been oddly tolerant of each other, swapping nest sites from one year to the next.

The National Trust, in conjunction with other organisations, have for several years organised a Peregrine Monitoring scheme. A team of dedicated bird watchers have manned the viaduct, with telescopes and binoculars, ensuring that the birds are unmolested and talking to several thousand visitors who may be seeing live peregrines at such close quarters for the first time in their lives. In 2005, with tremendous public support and encouragement, the scheme has entered its fifth year. Backed by Natural England and a grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, The National Trust and City College Plymouth launched this website and web camera.

Whilst peregrines are becoming relatively well established in the southwest of UK, this is not the case in other parts of the country. After the decline in numbers due to agricultural pesticides in the 60's and 70's they are again increasing.

Persecution of Peregrines

However there is still need for protection from many quarters, including egg collectors and those people who feel that peregrines interfere with their own livelihood or pastimes. Peregrine falcons are protected under Schedule 1 of Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended by Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2001.

This has given the police greater powers of arrest and seizure, and the courts can now impose custodial sentences of up to 6 months as well as fines of up to £5000 per offence.

Prison sentences have already been given to 5 egg collectors. In April 2002, 2 pigeon fanciers were convicted of using a poison bait in attempt to kill peregrine falcons.

The police view wildlife crime very seriously and are always keen to receive intelligence on any potential offences.

Police Wildlife Liaison Officers exist in every police force area of UK and they have a special remit (in addition to their normal caseload) of reducing crime in this field. Many of the wildlife related crimes are committed by people who have close connections with other types of crime. Further information about the Partnership against Wildlife Crime (PAW) can be found on www.defra.gov.uk/paw

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS

If you are in the Plymbridge Woods area and you see anything which you feel could be wrong, please :

Note any activity, especially around the cliff-top. There is fencing around Cann Quarry and there is no reason for anyone to cross it.

If you do observe anything, please note the time, date, location, a brief description of the people involved and what they are doing.