Secret World Wildlife Rescue, a dedicated wildlife charity based in East Huntspill, Somerset, is celebrating an extraordinary year of rescuing Peregrine Falcons. In 2025, the organisation successfully rescued, rehabilitated, and released six juvenile falcons back into their natural habitat—a record achievement.
While adult Peregrine Falcons commonly require rescue after high-speed collisions, this year saw an unprecedented number of young falcons in distress. Each rescue presented unique challenges, with locations ranging from cliffs and power stations to construction sites and urban rooftops.
This surge speaks volumes about the adaptability of Peregrines, as well as the dedication and expertise of the Secret World team and their collaborative partners.
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The first rescue involved a female falcon from Weston-super-Mare Quarry, admitted with a swollen shoulder but thankfully no fractures. Thanks to the vigilant nest monitor, it was confirmed that she had two siblings and attentive parents awaiting her return. After nine days of rest and careful treatment, she was released back to her family.
Soon after, a male chick was found exhausted and grounded on the cliffs of Sand Point. Following a swift recovery at the centre, he rejoined his sibling in flight just ten days later.
A particularly dramatic rescue occurred at Hinkley Point Power Station B, where three fledglings from a specially constructed nesting platform were attacked by protective gulls during their first flights. The two males and one female were nursed back to health in Secret World’s flight aviary. Through meticulous planning and rooftop coordination, they were returned to their nest and reunited with their caring mother.
Another male falcon was rescued in Bristol after being attacked by local birds. He arrived battered and bruised but miraculously fracture-free. After nourishment, pain relief, and rehabilitation, he was ready to return home. The Bristol City Peregrine Monitoring Project helped locate his nest, while YTL Construction granted rooftop access for the release. The young falcon took a triumphant flight above the construction site before heading back towards his nest.
Several of the falcons were fitted with coloured rings and BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) bands, allowing conservationists to monitor their movements and survival prospects.
“These juvenile falcons face high mortality rates as they learn to hunt at speeds reaching 200 mph, catching birds mid-air under the watchful guidance of their parents,” explained Charlotte Wroe, Release Coordinator at Secret World. “Rescuing and releasing six of them is a testament to the power of wildlife rescue and collaboration.”
Secret World extends deep gratitude to everyone involved—from power station workers and construction teams to city wildlife monitors and everyday heroes who made these rescues possible. The efforts often involved challenging climbs, scaffolding, and even abseiling, making 2025 truly the “Year of the Peregrine.”
At the time of reporting, the charity has already admitted a seventh Peregrine Falcon from Bristol, found grounded and missing feathers. The bird is currently under care with hopes for a future release.