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For many years there
have been peregrine falcons breeding on a cliff face in Cann Quarry. This
is in Plym Bridge Woods on the outskirts of the city of Plymouth, Devon
(UK). Peregrine falcons are not the rarest of the birds of prey to be
found in this country, but they are a fantastic sight.
The birds and their
nest can be seen from a viaduct that carries the Plym Valley cycle-way
over the River Plym. There are also ravens nesting on the cliff and in
recent years these two species of bird have got on surprisingly well,
swapping nest sites with each other from one year to the next.
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The
National Trust along with the RSPB,
has for the past two years organised a Peregrine Monitoring scheme. Lots
of people have worked together to make sure that the birds are left alone
and they have also talked to passers-by about the amazing birds.
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| Peregrines
are becoming relatively well established in the Southwest of the UK. The
number of peregrine falcons dropped across the country in the 1960's and
'70's because of chemicals used in farming. The number of falcons has started
to go up again, but we still need to protect these birds from all sorts
of people, including egg collectors and others who think that the birds
interfere with their work or hobbies. |
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Since
peregrine falcons are a protected bird, police are able to arrest people
who interfere with them. A prison sentence of six months has already been
given to one convicted egg theft in addition to a fine. The police think
that wildlife crime is very serious and like to be told of anything that
people see happening that might be an offence. If you are in the Plymbridge
Woods area and you note anything which you feel could be suspicious, especially
around the cliff-top, write it down. If a grown up is with you, tell them.
Car registration numbers would also be useful. This information should then
be given to The National Trust wardens or the police. Do not go up to anyone
yourself as this could be dangerous. |
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| Plymbridge
covers approximately 200 acres (80ha) of woodland and meadows along the
River Plym on the north-eastern fringe of the city of Plymouth. There are
lots of different types of trees in the wood, including oak, beech, sycamore,
ash and chestnut. There are also some Douglas Fir trees. Very little planting
has happened recently because it is thought that the natural woodland will
provide a more sustainable habitat for the wildlife. Trees are sometimes
'thinned out' to let more light reach the ground, which encourages lots
of different types of plant to grow low down and helps the trees grow bigger
and stronger. |
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As well as having
lots of different types of plant, Plymbridge Woods is also home to many
animals. There are mammals such as fallow deer, stoats, weasels, foxes,
badgers, water voles, wood mice and common shrews, just like in Wind in
the Willows! Otters have also been seen occasionally.
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| Frogs
toads and dragonflies live in the wetter areas, and adders and lizards like
to live on the scree slopes. There are also lots of different butterflies
that live in the woods as well as salmon, sea trout and eels that can be
seen in the river. |
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| As
well are the peregrine falcon there are lots of birds in Plymbridge Woods.
The heron, kingfisher, cormorant and dipper, as well as the mandarin and
mallard ducks, live alongside the river whilst woodpeckers, wood warblers,
tree pipits, jays and buzzards can be found in the woods. |
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Plymbridge Woods used
to be an important industrial area, especially in the 19th Century. The
old quarry workings are a permanent reminder of the slate quarrying that
used to be important. There are also the remains of a canal, tramway and
several buildings and structures as well as several thousands of tons
of spoil or waste which came from the same industrial activity.
Charcoal burning and
small-scale mining for lead and silver were also significant industrial
activities in the wood, in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Plymbridge has also
been greatly affected by the various rail systems, which were vital in
the development of the 19th century industry. Several; tramways travelled
within and through the wood, including a short branch that went to Cann
Quarry, where our peregrine falcons now nest. There was also a railway
that went through the valley to Tavistock and which closed in 1962. it
is now a cycle-way and, at one of its viaducts, provides the perfect site
from which to view Cann Quarry and the peregrine falcons.
Thank you to the RSPB
for providing the images of the Peregrine falcon flying and with her chicks.
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