A HISTORIC Keighley mill features in a new trail showcasing the peregrine falcon.

Grade II* listed Dalton Mills is the first stop on the Bradford Peregrine Trail.

The initiative – spearheaded by Bradford Urban Wildlife Group, and funded by Natural England – connects locations across the district where people can see the fast-flying bird of prey.

From 19th-century Dalton Mills, the trail heads to the Damart factory at Bingley and then takes in Salts Mill, Saltaire, and Lister Mills in Manningham before finishing at City Hall.

As part of the project, a peregrine nest box and livestream cameras have been installed on the 250ft-high chimney at Lister Mills.

Paul Wheatley, a volunteer conservationist and the peregrine project lead with Bradford Urban Wildlife Group, says: "It’s really exciting to reach what is a key milestone in the project, with the siting of our nest box on this famous Bradford landmark.

"Peregrine falcons have been resident at the chimney for at least two decades, but rarely have breeding success. We hope our new nest box will give them a helping hand!

"Our volunteers, project partners and contractors – particularly the amazing steeplejacks from Highlife Access who installed the nestbox – have done an amazing job in bringing together this exciting project."

He says further nest boxes will be provided and webcam work carried out over the coming year, together with a programme of engagement with people across the district.

Mr Wheatley adds: "All of the sites on the trail are great places to watch wild peregrine falcons which, over the last few decades, have made a home on these iconic heritage buildings.

"Peregrines often struggle to have breeding success when laying their eggs on the bare stone of these structures. But the gravel-lined nest boxes should significantly improve their chances of incubating and hatching their eggs."

The Lister Mills chimney work has been supported by the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture team.

Its head of producing, Jenny Harris, says: "We are delighted that our work with the mill is supporting the campaign to preserve the presence of the peregrine falcons at such a historic and special location."

When a planning application was submitted to Bradford Council for the Lister Mills nest box, it was one of the most commented on applications for years – with a groundswell of public support.

For further information about the Bradford Peregrine Trail, go to bradfordperegrines.com