A peregrine nest high on the side of Nottingham Trent University’s Newton Building in the centre of Nottingham has provided eager wildlife watchers with joy and excitement over the Easter Holidays - with four eggs laid between the 26th March and 3rd April – including eggs on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  

Just as many families were sharing Easter Eggs on Sunday morning, the peregrines, a protected species, welcomed their 3rd egg. Whilst many avid watchers might have thought that three would be the magic number this year, the pair had a further gift in store, with a fourth egg arriving in the early hours of April 3rd. 

With 3-4 eggs being typical for wild peregrines, it is likely that the flurry of egg laying activity is over for 2024. The pair will now incubate the eggs for around 30 days – with chicks expected to hatch in early May.

Speaking about the arrival of the eggs, Laura Mayhew-Manchón, Nottingham Trent University’s Head of Sustainability said: “I am truly thrilled to have witnessed the laying of these four eggs over the course of the Easter weekend. Following these falcons’ journey through the seasons brings me - and no doubt many others - much joy and entertainment. Seeing these eggs being laid in real time is more than just a marvel of nature; it demonstrates the resilience and recovery of a species that once neared the brink of extinction in the UK. Peregrine falcons, known for their incredible speed and hunting prowess, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.  

Their recurring presence on our campus is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and to being a Nature Positive University, supported through our ongoing partnership work with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. By observing these magnificent birds, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the role that we can each play in protecting species and their habitats, both as individuals and as organisations. The falcon cams offer viewers within our university community and beyond a unique opportunity to positively engage with wildlife in a safe and accessible way and reinforces the growing importance of biodiversity conservation efforts. I therefore celebrate the start of this falcon season as a symbol of hope and a reminder that our urban spaces are home to both humans and wildlife that can and do coexist successfully when the right conditions are provided." 

Peregrines have nested on the building for over two decades and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust works closely with NTU to ensure that the birds are protected. A key element of efforts to protect the birds are the cameras installed by the University overlooking the nest - which also enable viewers from across the planet to watch the peregrine family’s progress in high definition.  

Commenting on the season ahead, Erin McDaid, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Head of Communications said: “After more than twenty years involvement in protecting and observing this nest I am looking forward to the season ahead, but experience suggests that there will be twists and turns in the weeks to come. In previous years the pair have had to deal with everything from heavy snow and prolonged downpours to mini heatwaves – so I hope the weather is kind in 2024 as we head towards the 50th chick to fledge from this amazingly popular and successful nest.” 

To date, 45 chicks have fledged from the Newton Building nest, with the birds successfully raising chicks most years. Erin added: “Whilst the make-up of the pair has changed down the years as new adults have come in to take over the nest, one thing that remains constant is the success of the nest. The location clearly provides the birds with everything they need and the fact that so many people can share in the birds’ success via the NTU cameras is a real added bonus.”