Malham Peregrine Project viewpoint to reopen

The popular Malham Peregrine Project viewpoint will reopen this spring, offering free, guided opportunities to watch peregrine falcons at Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Peregrine falcons have nested at Malham Cove almost every year since 1993, making it one of the most successful and reliable peregrine sites in the Yorkshire Dales.

Run in partnership by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and the RSPB, the project helps people catch sight of these fascinating birds of prey while ensuring that visitors don’t cause any disturbance during the sensitive breeding season.

When open, the viewpoint at the base of the Cove gives visitors the chance to watch the adult birds through high‑powered telescopes, with trained volunteers on hand to explain peregrine behaviour and answer questions. Other upland birds frequently seen around the Cove include redstarts, green woodpeckers, house martins and swifts. The viewpoint will be open:

• 8–9 May (10.30 – 16.00)
• 5–6 June (10.30 – 16.00)
• 19–20 June (10.30 – 16.00)
• 10–11 July (10.30 – 16.00)

Mark Corner, Member Champion for the Natural Environment at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “The Malham Peregrine Project has become a well‑established opportunity for us to engage with the public and show them how important it is to protect such an enigmatic species. After temporary closures in recent years, the 2026 season marks the 21st year of the project, with continued support from our friends at the RSPB.

“The project plays an important role in allowing people to enjoy one of England’s best wildlife spectacles, without causing any disturbance to these spectacular birds”.

Additional information

The viewpoint is located at the base of Malham Cove, approximately one mile from Malham village. The route from the Malham National Park Visitor Centre follows a well‑surfaced, largely level footpath, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs in dry conditions. There is no shelter at the Cove, so visitors are advised to wear weather‑appropriate clothing.

Peregrine falcons are fully protected by UK law; disturbing them at or near the nest is a criminal offence. During the breeding season parts of the cliff top are roped off to stop people approaching nesting ledges and temporary climbing restrictions are promoted by the British Mountaineering Council. Finally, drone flying is prohibited to prevent disturbance to the birds.

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