Since the middle of January, the Salisbury Cathedral team have been monitoring activity on the South Tower balcony, where a pair of peregrines have staked their claim to the nestbox, a prime piece of peregrine real estate.

In the last week, their ‘courting’ behaviour has intensified, with the couple bowing and ‘chupping’ to each other on the nest- a sign that they are ready to settle down.

While this partnership blossoms, another has been established this year, between the cathedral and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) South Wiltshire Local Group.

For the first time since the nestbox was established in 2014, volunteers from the RSPB South Wiltshire Local Group are taking charge of a joint Facebook page for the cathedral and RSPB South Wiltshire Local Group.

Volunteers will also be helping to gather footage to share, in addition to the constant live stream on the cathedral’s website.

SEE ALSO: Views differ on possible changes to Salisbury Charter Market layout

The RSPB South Wiltshire Local Group will also present its annual Date With Nature experience on the West lawn in June, with visitors able to use RSPB bird spotting telescopes to follow the progress of the peregrine fledglings as they leave the nest and learn to hunt.

Granville Pictor, the peregrine expert from Wiltshire Ornithological Society, will be blogging throughout the season, keeping enthusiasts informed and updated.

This year he will also manage the ringing of the chicks in May, along with the Cathedral’s clerk of works, Gary Price.

Granville and Gary have been involved in the Peregrine project since it was set up eleven years ago by Phil Sheldrake, a former RSPB Conservation Officer.

Until 2021 naturalist Ed Drewitt used to ring the peregrines, using his characteristic blue Darvic ring - a coloured ID ring placed on the left leg of each chick with unique initials for each bird.

Since then, the ringing has been done by Nigel Jones from Hampshire, who uses an orange Darvic ring.

Granville said: “The nestbox has been going 11 years, so the site is well established and always provides interest and excitement to birdwatchers and livestream visitors alike.

"It is a privilege to share the lives of these amazing raptors with people from across the globe, and a great way to raise awareness and involve people in wildlife conservation.”

Tony Goddard, RSPB South Wilts Local Group Leader said: “We are looking forward to the new season and are delighted to be extending our long-running partnership with the Cathedral.

"Sue Walker, our communications and social media volunteer will be helping to manage a joint Cathedral-RSPB South Wiltshire Local Group Facebook page and will be responsible for collecting recordings and pictures from the nestbox, working alongside the Cathedral Press Office to share news and exciting footage.”