- Four young peregrine falcons have taken to Sheffield's skies this summer, bringing the total number raised at St George's Church to 41
- University of Sheffield staff, students, local residents and wildlife experts joined forces to help keep young birds safe as they made their first flights from the nest
- New swift nesting boxes have been installed across campus to support a species that has lost many of its traditional nesting sites
- The projects are part of the University of Sheffield's commitment to creating a more nature-positive campus
When three young peregrine falcons unexpectedly came down from their nest at St George's Church earlier this summer, staff, students and local wildlife volunteers quickly came together to help keep them safe.
The rescue effort was one of several memorable moments in another successful year for Sheffield's city-centre peregrines, with four chicks now fledging from the University of Sheffield-maintained nest box and taking their place in the city's skies.
The latest arrivals bring the total number of young peregrines to leave the nest since 2012 to 41.
For many people in Sheffield, the birds have become much more than a wildlife success story. Watched by thousands through the University's live webcams, the peregrines have become a familiar and much-loved part of the city's skyline, with each breeding season attracting a loyal following of birdwatchers, residents, staff and students.
This year's chicks were ringed in May by the Sorby Breck Ringing Group and Sheffield Bird Study Group, helping researchers and birdwatchers identify them in future and contributing to long-term monitoring of Sheffield's peregrine population.
But leaving the nest is one of the most vulnerable stages in a young peregrine's life.
In just one day, three chicks came down from the nesting area. University Security staff, students, local residents and volunteer wildlife rehabilitators all played a role in helping to keep the birds safe until expert assistance arrived.
The peregrines at St George's have become a real part of Sheffield's identity and are loved by thousands of people across the world who are always checking in for updates on their progress.
"This year has been another successful one, with four young birds leaving the nest, but it has also shown how vulnerable they can be during those first flights. The quick actions of University staff, students, local residents and volunteer rehabilitators all helped give the young birds the best possible chance.
Chris Greenwood
Member of the Sheffield Bird Study Group
While the young peregrines are now exploring the city beyond St George's Church, the University is also helping another iconic bird species find a place to call home.
Four new swift nesting boxes have been installed across two University buildings – two at the Warminster Road Sports Pavilion and two at the Elmfield Building.
Swifts, famous for spending much of their lives on the wing, have experienced significant population declines in recent decades as traditional nesting spaces in buildings have disappeared.
The new nesting sites were carefully selected in partnership with Sheffield Tree Care and Sheffield Swift Network, taking into account building height, aspect, flight access, surrounding habitat and long-term nesting potential.
Chris added: "It is also encouraging to see the University taking practical steps for swifts. These birds depend on suitable nesting spaces in buildings, and well-placed boxes can play an important role in helping them recover. These are great examples of the caring side of Sheffield, and of what can happen when the University, local experts and the wider community work together for wildlife."
At the Warminster Road site, the boxes have also been fitted with a solar-powered speaker system that plays swift calls during the breeding season, helping attract birds to investigate the new homes and encouraging the establishment of a future colony.
Installing these swift boxes is a practical step we can take to support a species that has lost many of its traditional nesting sites. We will monitor the sites over the coming seasons and hope they become part of a growing network of safe nesting spaces for swifts across Sheffield."
Holly Fisher
Green Space Development Lead at the University of Sheffield
The peregrine nest box and swift nesting project form part of the University's wider work to protect and enhance biodiversity across its estate.
Through its Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan, the University is working to improve habitats, strengthen green corridors and create spaces where both people and wildlife can flourish.
Charlotte Winnert, Chair of the University's Biodiversity Action Group, said: "Our Biodiversity Action Plan is about improving the biodiversity value of the estate, creating more resilient urban habitats and connecting our campus with wider green spaces and green corridors across Sheffield.
"Projects like the peregrine nest box and new swift boxes show how individual, practical interventions can contribute to that bigger picture. They help make our campus a place where nature is visible, supported and part of everyday University life."
Staff, students and members of the public can continue to follow the peregrines through the University's live webcams and read regular updates on the Sheffield Peregrines blog.