Peregrine Falcons Set To Get Nesting Platform

Market Harborough’s peregrine falcons could soon have their own nesting platform on top of the historic Symington Building.

A pair of the birds have attempted to breed by nesting on St Dionysius Church in the past, but evidence suggests they have been unsuccessful due to a lack of shelter and protection for their eggs.

Harborough District council has now unveiled plans to install a platform in the tower of its headquarters, in time for next year’s breeding season.

The current restoration work to the building has enabled investigations as to where the platform could do and local building contractor, WW Browns, have agreed to sponsor it by covering its cost.

As The Symington Building is a listed building, planning permission is required to remove two louvres to the north side of the tower to make space for access into the nesting tray, that would be placed internally.

It is also hoped that a live camera feed will be installed at the same time.

The nesting platform is set to be installed at the top of the Symington Building

Richard Goswell, a licensed British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ringer who has been working with the council, said: “I am delighted that Harborough District Council has agreed to house a new nesting platform in the tower of The Symington Building, subject of course to listed building consent being given. The opportunity to piggyback on the building works has allowed us to explore and progress this idea. This will significantly increase the opportunity of eggs hatching and young peregrines being born.”

Mark Brown, Company Director of WW Browns said: “As a local building contractor carrying out works to restore The Symington Building, a local iconic building, we are delighted to agree to cover the cost of providing the new peregrine platform and live feed cameras as a sponsor. We are really pleased to be associated with this amazing initiative.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I know the peregrines are a much-loved feature of Market Harborough and I am really pleased to announce our commitment to providing the new platform. Thanks to Mr Brown there will be no cost to the public purse. If approved by planning committee, we really hope that the birds will take to their new home quickly and we will see eggs hatch in the next breeding season. The additional feature of a live camera feed will allow us to watch things closely whilst ensuring they are protected. Once again we are delivering what we believe our community wants.”

The planning consent application for the removal of the two louvres in the tower could go to planning committee in December 2025 for a decision.

If planning approval is granted, the works could be completed early in 2026, in time for next year’s breeding season.