Keybridge House: plans for Peregrine Falcons

The pair of Peregrine Falcons which nest on Keybridge House each year in May/June will be provided with custom built nesting boxes in the building's replacement, according to the planning application (13/03935/OUT) documents currently under inspection with Lambeth Council.

The falcons' new home will be at the top of the highest (36-storey) block.

But according to the Environmental Statement chapter 14 - Ecology the falcons will have to go without their traditional nesting site for about four years.

Section 14.81 asserts:

Based on consultation with LBL, LPP and RSPB (refer to Appendix 2.2) it is considered that the London population of peregrine falcons is extremely healthy in the locality and during this interim period the peregrine falcons will make use of a number of alternative sites across London. These alternative nest sites could be the Houses of Parliament, on which the pair currently spend the winter and where a nest box has now been installed. 

The replacement is described thus in section 14.105:

The completed and operational Development would provide habitat replacement included within the design for territorial occupation including perching, nesting and therefore breeding opportunities for peregrine falcons that mimic the existing condition, on the same building  elevation and at a similar height. It is proposed that a peregrine box would be located at the top of the proposed Building A ... on the western aspect where the M&E plant would be located. It would be in a discrete location away from potential disturbance by people, giving the peregrines a secluded area where the birds can continue to breed.

Peregrine facts:

• The peregrine is the largest falcon in the UK. 
• They prey on birds that they catch in flight. 
• The peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching over 200 mph during its characteristic hunting stoop.

In the UK Peregrine Falcons have been given full legal protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take a Peregrine. Nests and eggs are also protected and the Act makes it an offence to take, damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or being built or to take or destroy the eggs.

These amazing pictures of peregrine falcons at Keybridge House are from a few years ago. I found them on flickr and the photographer Owen Llewellyn kindly gave me permission to use them.

A peregrine falcon at Keybridge House. Photo copyright: Owen Llewellyn

Thanks to Matt for drawing my attention to the new nesting box in the plans.