First sighting of birds that have returned to the University every year since 2018. Follow their progress on our Falcon Cam.
Date: 3 March 2025
A Peregrine Falcon was spotted on earlier this week, raising hopes that our regular visitors will once again be nesting at the top of the university’s iconic Tower Building.
London Met has been home to a pair of peregrine falcons since 2018, with the birds returning each year to breed. They are drawn to the Tower Building’s high vantage point and sheltered nesting spots, which provide safety from predators and a stable environment.
The falcons have only just arrived, so it’s too early to expect to see chicks. But you can keep an eye on our Falcon Cam to track their progress and look out for any new arrivals.
Taking Conservation Seriously
London Met works closely with to ensure the birds are safe and undisturbed. In line with conservation efforts, planned maintenance on the Tower will be postponed to avoid disrupting the falcons during their nesting period.
“These birds are an important part of London’s wildlife, and we’re so proud to provide a safe space for them to thrive,” said Ailsa Shaylor, London Met’s Sustainability Manager. “Our commitment to urban biodiversity is evident through initiatives like installing beehives on campus rooftops and working towards Carbon Net Zero. By fostering these projects, we aim to optimise our environment for various species, including our cherished peregrine falcons.”
, Stuart Harrington, co-founder of the London Peregrine Partnership, emphasised the significance of urban nesting sites for these birds: “Tall, isolated buildings like the one at London Met make a great substitute for the cliff faces peregrines use in the wild. However, not many buildings have the right conditions for nesting, so it’s fantastic to see them return year after year.”
Reflecting on the birds' history at London Met, Harrington added, “A two-year-old female that hatched in a nest near the Thames took over the site in 2018. That pair bred successfully each year until 2024, when a new female took over the territory. Last year, she and the resident male raised two young that fledged in July. It will be interesting to see if this pair returns again this year.”
Peregrines are highly territorial and often return to successful nesting sites. “Once they find a secure and productive site, they will usually stay as long as conditions remain stable,” Harrington explained. “London Met’s Tower Building has proven to be one of these rare, ideal locations for peregrine falcons.”
The Fastest Bird in the World
Falcons are fast, agile birds of prey with sharp vision and pointed wings. The peregrine falcon holds the title of the fastest animal on the planet, reaching speeds of over 390 km/h (242 mph) in a dive. They thrive in various habitats and are known for their impressive hunting skills.
The most recent records show that there are around 40 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in the capital. London Met’s Tower Building joins other famous peregrine nesting sites across the city, including The Tate Modern, Battersea Power Station, and The Houses of Parliament.
“It’s a privilege to now be able to see them in busy urban areas like Holloway Road,” Harrington said. “Fifty years ago, peregrines were a rare sight in the UK due to the use of pesticides, but their populations have bounced back and they’ve successfully adapted to city life.”
You can watch a live stream on the London Met Falcon Cam here:
A screenshot from London Met's Falcon Cam of a Peregrine Falcon in its nexting box at the top of the university's Tower Building - Taken at the end of February.