A specialist, partially sheltered nest tray filled with gravel has been installed 200 ft above Margate seafront on the roof of towerblock Arlington House.
Environmental activist Nik Mitchell, known for his Get Wild media platform, has put the nest tray in place for the resident pair of Peregrine Falcons living on the roof of the Brutalist block.
He said: “Most people look at Arlington House and see an 18-story Brutalist landmark from 1963. When I look up, I see a “concrete cliff” that’s been a battlefield for survival for the last six years. This National Nest Box Week, I’m changing that.
“People often think you have to go deep into the countryside to see rare nature, but Margate has some truly special wildlife right above our heads. We have a pair of Peregrine Falcons living on the Arlington roof. They are the fastest animals on the planet, yet for six years, they’ve been losing a quiet war against the elements.
“Because they lay their eggs directly onto the flat concrete, the eggs roll away in the sea wind or get chilled by rainwater. Despite being elite predators, they haven’t successfully raised a family here in over half a decade.
“I headed to the top of Arlington House to break that cycle of failure and give these birds the “five-star” upgrade they deserve. I’ve put down a specialist, partially sheltered nest tray filled with gravel.
“Peregrines don’t build stick nests; they make a ‘scrape’—a small hollow in the rocks. This gravel bed allows the mother to do exactly that, keeping the eggs bundled together, warm, and bone-dry.
“From Big Ben to Canterbury Cathedral, these birds are returning to our cities. By doing this, we’re officially making Margate a key part of the national conservation map for a Red Listed species.”
Nik says Peregrines create a ‘landscape of fear.’ By hunting pigeons, they keep the local population ‘on their toes’ and moving along, so they don’t overwhelm the area.
He added: “There is nothing like the magic of walking along the Margate seafront and seeing a bird ‘stoop’ (dive) at over 200 mph right over your head. It brings a whole new level of excitement to the town.
“Highlighting our local wildlife shows that Margate isn’t just a place for chips and the beach—it’s a home for one of the most incredible species on Earth.
“I’m incredibly proud of this. It’s the perfect match: an iconic bird on an iconic building. I want people to realize how lucky we are to have this level of wildlife in Margate.
“I’m so grateful to the team at Arlington House for letting me do this—they’ve done a great thing for the building and the town. We’ve given them the tools; now we just wait for the first eggs of a new generation.”
Fantastic so refreshing to read something positive towards wildlife in thanet support wildlife
I agree, it’s little things like this, introduction of wild flowers, planting of trees and beach cleans that give me hope people want to see nature thrive.
A Red Listed species whose nest he has now made public to all the idiots with drones and weapons. There are enough Birds of Prey being targeted as it is – so much for a conservationist!
Not about the wildlife, it is about internet clicks, just as his videos promoting trespassing… !
If this was really about helping the birds it would have been done discreetly, not for social media and plaudits. Making a big song and dance online is not in the birds interests and only endangers them.
Great idea, really disappointing execution.
Completely agree
Huge respect to Nik for this. I love that this specific site prioritises the safety of the birds by keeping it away from public disturbance as it is not accessible, a great example of thoughtful conservation. Thanks for the education and the hard work.
Protect these birds and all wildlife before its gone thank you to the great work and there new nesting upgrade save our wildlife