Chichester Cathedral’s much‑loved peregrine falcons are once again settling in for the breeding season - a particularly special moment this year, as 2026 marks the 25th anniversary since the birds were first regularly observed at the Cathedral.
Peregrines were first seen on the tower in the mid‑1990s, with formal monitoring beginning in 2001, and since then more than 70–80 chicks have successfully fledged from the site.
Over the past quarter century, the peregrines have become an integral and cherished feature of Cathedral life, attracting thousands of admirers from across the UK and beyond. Their annual cycle - from courtship to fledging —-continues to captivate visitors onsite and an ever‑growing community online.
Live-Stream viewing for 2026
This season also benefits from the high‑quality webcam system introduced in recent years, providing clearer, stable real‑time footage of the birds throughout their nesting activity. These upgraded cameras offer worldwide audiences the chance to follow key moments such as incubation, hatching and early flights. The live‑stream is hosted on the Cathedral’s website and has become one of the most popular ways for people to engage with the birds from afar.
Click here to watch the stream
Peregrine Open Days: 6 June - 5 July 2026
To complement the online experience, drop‑in Peregrine Open Days will run Wednesday to Sunday from 6 June to 5 July 2026 on Cathedral Green.
Continuing the long-standing partnership between Chichester Cathedral, the Sussex Ornithological Society, and local wildlife experts David and Janet Shaw, these sessions give visitors the chance to view the birds through telescopes, watch live footage, and learn more about peregrine behaviour from knowledgeable volunteers who have followed the pair for decades.
The peregrine project at Chichester Cathedral remains a collaborative effort involving the Cathedral team, wildlife specialists, and dedicated volunteers who have supported and monitored the birds for 25 years. Their work has helped build both public understanding of peregrines and a strong culture of conservation around the site.
As the 2026 season progresses, visitors and online followers are invited to share their sightings and screenshots using #ChichesterPeregrines.