Liverpool Anglican Cathedral has installed netting to prevent a pair of peregrine falcons from nesting above its main entrance, in a move described by the RSPB as 'disappointing'
The birds have bred successfully in the same spot for three years, but now Cathedral bosses say their presence is causing unacceptable damage to the building, and that they have a "solution" in place to provide the birds with a safe environment.
Disturbing adult birds near an active nest is a criminal offence under Section 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act, but the Act provides no legal protection to birds whose access to a previously successful nest site has been intentionally barred.
READ MORE: Woman diagnosed with chronic condition after leaving her own birthday party early
RSPB Liverpool local group leader, Chris Tynan, said that although the Cathedral had installed a nest box for the birds to use instead, there is no reason to suppose they will use it.
Chris said: "They tend to choose a sheltered ledge with a bit of gravel on it, to stop the eggs from rolling off. And it depends on things like the prevailing wind, and which way the rain blows in from. It’s really up to them to decide."
In an official statement, RSPB England said: ‘The RSPB is disappointed by the decision to install netting outside Liverpool Cathedral. While we are pleased Liverpool Cathedral is continuing to provide space for nature, we strongly discourage the use of netting because of the risks it poses to birds and other wildlife.
"We cannot keep trying to squeeze nature into smaller and smaller spaces or demanding it fits in with our plans."
There were just 47 pairs of peregrines left in the country 40 years ago, according to Natural England. There are now about 820 pairs, an increase linked to the birds seeking refuge on buildings in urban areas, where illegal interference with their nests is easier to detect.
At least four pairs breed within two miles of Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool Cathedral director of communications, Stuart Haynes, said: ‘The presence of peregrine falcons around our building presents us with the challenge of preserving a protected species with maintaining a historic listed building.
"We have consulted with wildlife experts including the RSPB on a solution that we hope provides a safe environment for the birds but protects the rest of the building from the damage their activities cause."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Communications manager at the Cathedral, Jude Knight, said: "We have a duty to keep our wildlife safe, but it is a grade one listed building. It’s always a balancing act."
She added: "We fundraised for a nest box, which has been installed, but there’s no guarantee they’ll use it."
Adrian Dancy, a local expert, said: "Nest trays, provided they are situated in the right position, and at the right time, can be very effective."
