Derbyshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team has today issued the following appeal for information:
‘We are currently looking into reports of a recent Peregrine Falcon nest disturbance at Belper Mill and would like to advertise that a live investigation is currently being completed with partner agencies to establish the circumstances of how this happened. We would also like to hear from anyone who may have information. Please quote occurrence number 24*283748 when doing so‘.
This isn’t the first time that peregrines at Belper Mill have been at the receiving end of criminal activity. In March 2015 the adult breeding male was found shot (here) and another breeding male was found shot in March 2020 (here).
A local resident has informed me that peregrines have been breeding at Belper Mill East since at least 2011 and it’s estimated that almost 40 fledglings have been produced at this site. The peregrines’ breeding attempt has failed this year.
Comments on social media suggest this latest incident is believed to relate to the alleged disturbance of the breeding pair by contractors carrying out groundwork nearby.
Raptor Persecution UK 
From what I read on the news, it was trees (public enemy no. 1 with some people and local authorities) that the contractors were working on. Could the work not have waited?
How near was the tree ? Am amazed that someone with local knowledge from the Raptor Group was not consulted , as a condition . Can hardly expect a tree surgeon to make an expert judgement .
As I understand it, advice was given but was allegedly disregarded.
I thought it was illegal to disturb nesting birds full stop.Have heard recently of swifts arriving from a great distance to find scaffolding on house , so seen flying around in distress. Home owners near me constantly getting contractors to cut their Hedges to keep them in strictest boxes shape possible…..ridiculous.All my eaves ends,all 4 rotten and have starling and House Soarrows nesting in all 4…..its bloody marvelous.Aæl new builds should have special eaves ends to have a nesting space……is there such a thing available? My house is on market and I worry about my band of 30 sparrows when I leave.
Well done hazelhames! It’s the same near me, neat hedges, plastic grass and plastic blocking nesting birds from roof spaces, mostly to ‘keep up with the jones’ ‘ as they say.