Following several weeks of climbing restrictions along the Upper Tier at the Roaches, the Peregrine chicks have finally fledged thanks to the co-operation of climbers, local people and visitors.
The Roaches Estate, owned by the Peak District National Park is historically a famous and fantastic place to climb. Over the past two years, a pair of Peregrines has failed to breed successfully in the area but in May 2008, two were spotted on the Upper Tier of the Roaches. A pair of peregrines had established a nest in the middle of this popular crag and as a result of the geology of the area was deemed subject to disturbance across a wide area.
Following a lengthy restriction period, it is thanks to the joint efforts of the Peak District National Park, climbers, walkers and visitors to the area that the birds have successfully bred.
British Mountaineering Council spokesman Henry Folkard said: "The climbers are very pleased the young have been successfully reared. From the climbing point of view it's hardly possible to conceive a more inconvenient place for the birds to nest. The restrictions covered a significant proportion of some of the highest quality climbing routes, which normally get very busy, so a very special word of thanks is due to all those who forewent their own enjoyment to help bring about this happy outcome."
The nesting restriction has now been lifted and climbing can resume on the Upper Tier.
BMC Access and Conservation Officer Cath Flitcroft was interviewed by for the BBC Radio 1 Today Programme which was broadcast on 14 July and put climbers in a good light.
« Back
This article has been read
843
times
TAGS
Click on the tags to explore more