The History of the Kettering Peregrines: A Remarkable Urban Wildlife Success Story

In the heart of Kettering, Northamptonshire, an inspiring wildlife story has been unfolding high above the town skyline. A pair of Peregrine Falcons has made the medieval tower of St Peter and St Paul’s Church their permanent nesting site, capturing the attention of local residents, birdwatchers and conservationists alike.

The presence of peregrine falcons on the church spire was first noticed nearly five years ago when the Rector contacted the Hawk and Owl Trust for expert advice. Recognising the importance of providing a safe and suitable nesting environment, a conservation officer installed a purpose-built nesting tray on the tower and offered ongoing monitoring and support. This proactive approach helped establish the site as a secure breeding location for the birds.

Since then, the Kettering peregrines have become both a local treasure and an online sensation. In 2023, the pair successfully raised three chicks, followed by an impressive four chicks in 2024. To allow the public to witness these extraordinary moments, the Hawk and Owl Trust installed a 24-hour live peregrine webcam, giving viewers around the world the chance to observe egg laying, hatching, feeding and fledging in real time.

The success continued into the 2025 breeding season, when the falcons laid a clutch of four eggs in their bespoke nest box. Careful monitoring through the live stream confirmed that all four chicks hatched successfully and later fledged, bringing the total number of young raised over three seasons to around a dozen. As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the chicks were ringed and sexed, helping researchers track their movements and long-term survival.

This project demonstrates how urban landmarks such as church towers and tall buildings can provide vital nesting habitats for peregrine falcons. Once severely affected by persecution and pesticide use, peregrines have made a remarkable recovery across the UK thanks to legal protection, public awareness and dedicated conservation work.

The Kettering peregrines stand as a powerful example of how communities and wildlife can thrive together, inspiring future generations to value and protect Britain’s urban wildlife.