Sponsored by
Rare birds force charity to call off abseil
A charity abseiling event in Preston has been postponed after pair of rare peregrine falcons decided to nest in a church spire.
The pair have made their home in St Walburge's Church, Weston Street, Ashton, where around 80 people were hoping to take part in the abseiling event on Saturday.
The event, which was raising money for St Catherine's Hospice, has been postponed until September amid fears the birds would be disturbed by the climbers on the spire.
Father Paul Swarbrick, the priest at the church, said: "It's unfortunate we had to cancel so close to the date but, with the mild winter, their breeding habits have begun earlier than expected."
PC Duncan Thomas, the wildlife officer for Lancashire Police, said: "The location planned to be used is the confirmed nesting site of a pair of peregrine falcons which are afforded the highest level of protection, including any disturbance."
St Catherine's head of appeals John Nickson said he was disappointed as it was hoped thousands of pounds would be raised on the day.
He said: "We understand the importance of not disturbing wildlife so we are re-organising for September as the spire should be clear by then."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
