The History of Bath - St Johns Peregrines: How Peregrine Falcons Returned to the City

The story of the Bath - St Johns Peregrines is one of resilience, conservation success, and the growing connection between wildlife and urban life. Peregrine falcons, the fastest birds in the world, once faced near extinction in the UK during the mid-20th century due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and persecution. Today, Bath has become one of the most celebrated locations to observe these remarkable birds in an urban setting.

Historically, peregrine falcons nested on high cliff faces across Somerset and the Avon Valley. As towns and cities expanded, natural nesting sites declined, encouraging the species to adapt to tall buildings that resemble cliffs. Church towers, historic landmarks, and city structures provided safe vantage points and ideal nesting conditions.

The Bath Peregrines first established a successful urban nesting site at St John’s in the early 2000s. Conservation groups, local volunteers, and the church worked together to protect the birds and install dedicated nesting platforms. This collaboration helped minimise disturbance while allowing the falcons to breed safely in the heart of Bath. Since then, the peregrines have returned annually, successfully raising chicks and strengthening the local breeding population.

A major milestone in the history of the Bath Peregrines was the introduction of a live Peregrine Falcon webcam, enabling people from around the world to observe courtship, egg-laying, feeding, and fledging behaviour. This online visibility has increased public awareness of urban wildlife conservation and inspired greater community engagement.

Bath’s city environment provides an abundant food source, particularly pigeons and smaller birds, making it an ideal hunting territory for Peregrine Falcons. The surrounding Somerset countryside also offers additional feeding areas, creating a stable and sustainable habitat.

Today, the Bath peregrines are a powerful symbol of conservation success and coexistence between people and wildlife. They attract birdwatchers, photographers, and eco-tourists, supporting local interest in biodiversity and environmental protection. Their continued presence at St John’s highlights how careful stewardship can help protect and restore threatened species within historic cities.