A peregrine falcon chick at the Malham Cove site. Photo: Neil Aldridge
A scheme that allows visitors to get to see of some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most interesting residents has been extended for a month.
The viewpoint at Malham Cove will remain in operation for most of this month so walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts can see a pair of peregrine falcons and their chicks.
The facility is run jointly by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and allows visitors to watch the airborne antics of the two raptors and the pair of chicks on the 80m (260ft) limestone crag.
The viewpoint had been due to close at the end of last month, but will now stay in operation until 27 August.
Ian Court, the authority’s wildlife conservation officer, said: “Despite the terrible weather, it has been another successful year for the falcons.
“Poor weather in April can be potentially very dangerous for the chicks because they can get wet and chilled and eventually die.
“But the two reared here have not only survived but are doing really well, which is fantastic news.”
Malham Cove, home to the birds
Carolyn Jarvis, the RSPB’s people engagement manager for northern England, said: “We are really happy that we can keep the project going for another month and give more people the chance to experience the amazing wildlife at Malham Cove.
“It isn’t only the Peregrines that attract attention. There are green woodpeckers, tawny owls, little owls and redstarts too. And they can all be seen against the backdrop of the cove – what a fantastic day out for the family during the school holidays.”
The viewpoint is about a kilometre north of the village of Malham.
Peregrines started nesting at the cove 19 years ago and since then they have raised 40 young.
The Malham project is run in partnership with the YDNPA as part of the RSPB’s Date with Nature programme of events, aiming to make rare and spectacular birds accessible for everyone to see.
More information about the Malham Peregrines can be found on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority website.
