The history of the Peregrine Falcons of Ely Cathedral, a remarkable wildlife story has unfolded in recent years: the arrival and nesting of the Peregrine Falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world. Their presence has transformed the cathedral into an unexpected urban sanctuary for birds of prey.
The cathedral’s peregrine story began relatively recently. The first pair of peregrines was spotted nesting on the cathedral in 2019, choosing the high ledges of the medieval structure as a nesting site. The great height and relative isolation of the cathedral towers mimic the birds’ natural cliff habitats, making it an ideal place for them to breed.
In 2020, the pair successfully raised two chicks, marking the first confirmed breeding success at the cathedral. Their arrival generated widespread local interest among birdwatchers, photographers, and visitors. Conservation groups and cathedral staff soon began monitoring the birds closely, working with organisations such as the Hawk and Owl Trust to support and study the nesting falcons.
By 2021, the peregrines had become a celebrated part of Ely’s wildlife. A webcam was installed near the nesting site, allowing people around the world to observe the birds as they incubated eggs and raised their young. That year proved particularly successful, with four chicks hatching, and the live broadcast attracted thousands of viewers eager to follow their development from hatchlings to fledglings.
However, the following years brought instability. From 2022 to 2024, several territorial disputes occurred between rival falcons, preventing a stable breeding pair from establishing themselves at the cathedral. Although peregrines were occasionally seen around the towers, no resident pair successfully nested during this period.
A new chapter began in 2025, when another pair returned and laid three eggs in April. Although the chicks faced challenges and survival was uncertain, the return of breeding birds renewed hope that peregrines would once again become regular residents of the cathedral. Conservationists continue to monitor the site carefully and encourage visitors to watch for the birds soaring around the towers.
Today, the peregrines of Ely are more than just birds nesting on a historic building. They represent a broader story of wildlife adapting to urban environments and recovering after decades of decline in the United Kingdom. Their presence at Ely Cathedral shows how historic architecture and nature can coexist, creating a unique connection between heritage, conservation, and the local community.