In January 2016, the Leicester Peregrine Project was given permission by Leicester Cathedral to remove one of the louvres within the bell tower/spire to facilitate the introduction of the nestbox. Due to the size and weight of the louvre (180kg of solid stone), this had to be undertaken by a professional stonemasons. A custom-made hoist and tackle had to be designed and erected in situ as the stairwell was too small to allow anything more suitable to be taken to the necessary height.
A few days later, carpenter Mark Rowlinson (kindly loaned by the Bradgate Park Trust), constructed and installed a custom-built nestbox with platform.
The following photographs show some of the work:
The hoist and tackle are being prepared © Richard Kelly
The hoist and tackle ready for use © Richard Kelly
The louvre being lifted out of position © Richard Kelly
Almost there – the louvre at its maximum height © Richard Kelly
Finally removed – the louvre being safely lowered to the floor © Richard Kelly
The metal stairwell that was used to bring all materials to the window level © Jim Graham
The gap left by the louvre that was to become the nextbox and platform © Jim Graham
Yes, all these tools and materials had to be raised through the metal stairwell using a hoist and pulley © Jim Graham
Mark Rowlinson making final adjustments to the measurements for the box. Due to the two central columns, the nestbox and platform had to be built in two halves and joined together © Jim Graham
Cutting the board to fit around the columns © Jim Graham
Putting it all together – told you it would fit! © Jim Graham
It’s hard work when there’s not a lot of space © Jim Graham
The finished article – what self-respecting pair of Peregrines wouldn’t want to nest here? © Jim Graham
The nestbox and ledge on the east section of the Cathedral Tower © Jim Graham
The view from the nestbox looking east over Leicester. Note the old Lewis’s store tower on the skyline © Jim Graham