After a tumultuous breeding season in 2021 which saw a new female peregrine take over from an established matriarch leading to the loss of the previous incumbent’s eggs, viewers watching the webcams focussed on the peregrine nest atop Nottingham Trent University’s Newton Building in the centre of Nottingham were likely hoping for less dramatic viewing this year.

After a positive start to the season with the laying of four eggs and the hatching of two chicks right on schedule, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has today advised that the two remaining eggs are unlikely to hatch. Whilst many will see this as sad news, the charity, which had worked in partnership with the University to monitor the nest for over two decades, is reminding watchers that with two healthy chicks remaining – the prospects for a successful season remain on track.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Head of People & Nature Liz Fleuty said: “The webcams provide a wonderful window on nature. In the pair’s first season last year they managed to successfully fledge one chick – so with two chicks remaining we’re still on course for a good season.”

As well as providing much needed security for the birds, the Trust believes that the cameras provide a valuable resource for people to engage with and learn about nature and is keen to explore how the continued interest in the peregrine family can be used to inspire people to take action for nature.

Liz explained: “Thanks to Players of People’s Postcode Lottery we are able to explore new ways to connect and reconnect people to nature and to help people of all ages learn about the natural world. The continued interest shown in the webcams highlights that people have a tremendous appetite to learn more about the wildlife on their doorstep and we’re keen to find ways to encourage people inspired by these majestic birds to take action for nature wherever they live.”

So far this year the webcams provided by Nottingham Trent University, has been viewed over 600,000 times via the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website – with high levels of traffic expected over the next few weeks as the chicks grow and venture beyond the safety of the nest tray.