A nesting box for a pair of the world’s fastest animal species has been put on the roof of an iconic tower block.<\/p>\n
Wildlife enthusiast Nik Mitchell installed the box for peregrine falcons on Arlington House in Margate on Thursday (February 12).<\/p>\n
Nik Mitchell has installed a nest box on Arlington House, Margate. Picture: Nik Mitchell<\/p>\n
He says he is \u201cincredibly proud\u201d of the project and hopes it will lead to the arrival of chicks in the future.<\/p>\n
Peregrine falcons dive at speeds of up to 200mph, making them the fastest animal in the world.<\/p>\n
They traditionally nest on clifftops, but are now often seen on tall buildings such as cathedrals and tower blocks.<\/p>\n
A pair have been spotted at Arlington House for the past six years; however have not yet produced any offspring.<\/p>\n
Peregrine falcons have been seen on Arlington House in Margate for the past six years. Picture: Nik Mitchell<\/p>\n
The birds of prey do not collect twigs to make nests; instead burrowing a small hole in rocks.<\/p>\n
But their brutalist home does not allow for this, and there is a danger eggs could roll away in the sea wind or get chilled by rainwater.<\/p>\n
The new nesting box has a layer of gravel, and will hopefully see any eggs develop successfully.<\/p>\n
Mr Mitchell, who runs the popular social media channel Get Wild, said: \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of this.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the perfect match: an iconic bird on an iconic building.<\/p>\n
Peregrine Falcons have made the iconic Arlington House in Margate their home. Picture: Nik Mitchell
Peregrine falcons, seen on Arlington House in Margate. Picture: Nik Mitchell<\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to realise how lucky we are to have this level of wildlife in Margate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so grateful to the team at Arlington House for letting me do this.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve done a great thing for the building and the town. We\u2019ve given them the tools; now we just wait for the first eggs of a new generation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He adds that seeing the birds swoop at great speeds along the seafront adds a \u201cwhole new level of excitement\u201d to the seaside town.<\/p>\n
Peregrine falcons were once considered endangered due to declining numbers, but have made a comeback in recent years.<\/p>\n
Arlington House was built in 1963 and has fallen into disrepair in recent years.<\/p>\n