Chichester Cathedral has announced that peregrine falcons have once again returned to nest on the cathedral spire, marking 25 years since the birds were originally spotted.

The Cathedral will be live-streaming the nest from February 9, which will allow viewers to follow the birds all the way from the first signs of activity to fledging, when chicks become capable of flight.

Peregrine falcons have been tracked nesting on the spire since 2001, and have successfully raised more than 70 chicks in that time.

Their presence on the spire was reportedly first recorded in the mid-1980s by a maths teacher at the nearby Prebendal School.

A blog documenting the peregrines is run by David and Janet Shaw, who have followed the birds since they were first spotted. 

Several of the birds that have nested at the Cathedral still live in Sussex, and some have been known to frequent Brighton, with birds also being spotted as far afield as Holland and Belgium.

The falcons can typically be seen soaring above the cathedral from March to August.

The Cathedral will be hosting Peregrine Open Days on the Cathedral Green from June 6 to July 5.

Taking place from Wednesday to Sunday, these will offer visitors the chance to see the birds up close with cameras and telescopes. 

The falcons, which can have a wingspan of more than a metre, are the fastest animal in the world, and have been recorded diving at 242 miles per hour. 

Those wishing to view the birds can watch the livestream via the Chichester Peregrines website or on Facebook.