A pair of peregrine falcons roosted at St Andrew’s Parish Church in central Farnham this week – raising hopes they may build a nest and raise a family.

The church’s usual murder of crows are said to have kept their distance after the breeding peregrines were first spotted on Tuesday last week, replaced by a flock of ornithologists and other snap-happy bird-lovers. 

It is thought the male could be the same bird that visited St Andrew’s in January 2021. On that occasion, a nesting tray was erected on the church for the peregrines, and it is hoped the pair may now make use of this.

Two peregrines, a male and a female, have roosted at St Andrew's Church this month, raising hopes they may raise a family in central Farnham
Two peregrines, a male and a female, have roosted at St Andrew's Church this month, raising hopes they may raise a family in central Farnham (Jonathan Durham)

Peregrines suffered a serious decline in numbers because of habitat loss and farming changes until a revival this millennium.

According to the Wildlife Trusts website: “Until recently, the peregrine falcon was only found in the north and west of the UK. Yet, over the last couple of decades, it has been spreading south.

“In recent years, it has found some unusual nest sites, including Derby Cathedral and the BT Tower in Birmingham! These tall, city structures replicate the precipitous cliff edges that it would naturally nest on.”

The peregrine is the UK’s biggest falcon, and can be identified by its dark slate-grey above and white below, with black bars across its chest and belly. It has a white throat and cheeks, and a strong, black moustache and mask.