Bradwell Site has confirmed that it has become a chosen spot for a pair of nesting peregrine falcons which have been observed on the top of the Reactor 1 roof (the reactor nearest to the river). 

John Sutherby, Health Physics Inspector at the site and a keen ‘birder’ said; “The young birds arrived at Bradwell over a year ago and have now matured to adulthood. I had suspicions that they might be nesting after observing their interest in the kestrel boxes on site and was later fortunate enough to see the nest with 3 eggs on top of Reactor 1 roof for myself.” John confirmed that the nest is an indentation in the gravel rather than a typical nest and is situated against the lip of the roof edge which hides the female from view when she is sitting on the nest.

John stated; “Although the nest cannot be seen from the ground, the peregrines sometimes put on a good show exchanging food mid flight which can be quite spectacular. There is a strong suspicion that the eggs have now hatched so I would expect activity to increase as the adults start feeding their young.”

The peregrines are a large blue-grey falcon with the female bird being around 30% larger than the male. They feed almost exclusively on medium sized birds which is keeping the number of pigeons at Bradwell to a minimum.

As soon as John became aware of the nest he reported his findings the Site Management Team who responded positively, immediately implementing controls to prevent access to the area. The peregrine is afforded the highest degree of legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and should not be disturbed during the breeding season. Site Director, Oly Serrano commented saying; “These birds require our full protection and it is for this reason that we have prohibited access to Reactor 1 roof and the two adjoining boiler house roofs. Any routine maintenance that is required will be put back until the birds have fledged. These restrictions will have no impact on any scheduled work”.

Peregrines are a regular winter visitor and occasional summer visitor to Essex, including the Dengie area, and it is reported that peregrines first bred in the county in 1998, then again in 2004, one pair each time. Three pairs nested in 2005 and five, possibly six pairs in 2006. All of these breeding records have been along the Thames Corridor, with the majority of them not being publicised for obvious reasons.

The site has received a lot of interest in the peregrines and site representatives were interviewed live on BBC Radio Essex Ray Clark’s breakfast show on 11 June. The site is expecting many more visitors to the area to witness such a rare event, particularly as the eggs have now hatched.

Visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the birds in flight from the nature trail which runs down the east side of the site. Bird watchers are requested to report to the Security Gatehouse prior to doing so.