BIRD conservationists are celebrating after a pair of peregrine falcons nesting in the region hatched three offspring.

The birds of prey have been nesting at Malham Cove, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, under the watchful eye of staff and volunteers from the park authority and the RSPB.

A special free peregrine watch point has been set up near the Cove, but the nest itself is tucked out of view.

Ian Court, a YDNPA wildlife conservation officers, said: "We knew there were some young but we didn’t know how many because the nest itself is out of sight.

"Now we have finally got the answer – the wardens have seen three chicks on the ledge near the nest and they all appear to be healthy.

"It’s really good news."

Carolyn Jarvis, from the RSPB, said: "The chicks are really fluffy and cute. It is hard to imagine that, in a short time, they will grow into fearsome predators, pursuing their prey at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour."

The adult peregrines started nesting at the Cove 18 years ago and since then they have raised 37 young.

The viewpoint, which last year attracted 16,500 visitors, is manned by YDNPA and RSPB staff and volunteers between 10.30am and 4.30pm, between Wednesdays and Sundays inclusive (weather permitting) until July 31, so that people can watch the birds through high-powered telescopes.

Visitors – in particular photographers – are being asked to play their part in helping this years nesting attempt by not getting too close to the nest site.

More information about the Malham Peregrines can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/peregrines