Market Harborough Peregrines Get New Nesting Site

A new home for Market Harborough’s peregrine falcons has been completed at the top of one of the town’s most historic landmarks, in the hope a pair will raise a family there.

A nesting box and platform have been installed in the tower of the Symington Building, along with a camera which will provide a livestream if the birds successfully take up residence.

A sneak preview of the livestream from the new peregrine nesting platform

It’s hoped the sheltered location will provide a more suitable breeding site for a pair of peregrine falcons that have previously attempted to nest at nearby St Dionysius Church.

Evidence suggests the lack of a suitable nesting platform meant the birds didn’t have enough shelter and protection for their eggs.

The project has been led by Harborough District Council at its headquarters and sponsored by Market Harborough building firm WW Brown, which is carrying out restoration work on the building.

A nesting box and platform have been installed in the tower of the Symington Building

The camera equipment is now installed and being tested, with the livestream set to go live once the birds begin using the nesting site.

Cllr Phil King, Deputy Leader of Harborough District Council and lead member for council assets, says the new nesting tray will provide a safe place for the protected birds to breed.

He says the camera will also give residents the chance to follow their progress, although ultimately the peregrines will decide when they are ready to move in: