Peregrine falcon exhibition to land at cathedral

A peregrine falcon exhibition at Lincoln Cathedral will include the work of wildlife photographers.

The birds of prey have been nesting at the cathedral for more than a century, with photographers patiently waiting in Minster Yard to capture them on camera.

The exhibition will be held at the Chapter House from 23 to 29 March and will explore the relationship between the cathedral and the birds, a spokesperson for Lincoln Cathedral said.

Visitors will also be able to watch live webcam footage from the peregrine's nest on a large screen.

The exhibition is organised by Bruce Hargrave, tower guide and resident peregrine falcon expert at the cathedral.

It coincides with the launch of Tales From The Towers, a book containing photos which "offer a rare window into the seasonal drama playing out high above the cathedral precincts".

Hargrave said there were two adult peregrines at the cathedral who had recently started mating, a male who has been there for several years and a female who arrived last year.

He said, "all being well", there should be some eggs laid on camera later in March.

Records dating back to the 1920s show peregrines nesting at the cathedral.

The birds of prey, which choose to nest in tall buildings as they mimic natural cliffs or mountains, were formerly listed as endangered after almost dying out in the 1960s.

This was due to the impact of insecticides entering the food chain and causing issues with their ability to lay eggs.

The wooden nest box the chicks were born in was installed in the 1980s by Norman Bonner, a former head carpenter at the cathedral.

People can visit the exhibition during the cathedral's opening hours by paying a general admission cost.

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