There have been records of peregrines nesting at Salisbury Cathedral since 1864. For nearly 90 years, these birds lived peacefully on its Tower, until the use of harmful pesticides (such as DDT), and persecution, led to a lengthy absence. *
In 2014 a mated pair of peregrines nested, producing and fledging four chicks successfully in a nestbox built by the Works Yard team. Since then peregrines have hatched and fledged from the Tower every year except for 2018, when a territorial battle between two females prevented laying. *
A live webcam feed is available to watch progress during the 2025 season. Two eggs are visible in the image above. Typically a peregrine will lay 3-4 eggs each year.
In previous years Stratford residents have heard the distinctive call of a peregrine hunting around Old Sarum or observed a peregrine flying overhead. The peregrine's silhouette is quite different to the Red Kites and Buzzards that are frequently spotted in this area.
Peregrine Red Kite over Parsonage Farm June 2024
*Source and peregrine images Salisbury Cathedral website.
The village website has a number of screenshots taken by residents from the cathedral webcam in 2020. There is also a recording of a peregrine calling so that you can hone your bird-watching skills! View them here.