LOOKING skywards to the tower of Salisbury Cathedral, peregrine falcons have returned to their lofty roost, where they will once again (hopefully) raise a brood. There are records of peregrines nesting at the cathedral since 1864. For nearly 90 years they returned every year, until the combination of pesticides and persecution nearly drove these magnificent birds to extinction.

In 2014, a mated pair of peregrines nested and fledged four chicks in a nest box build by the cathedral works yard team. Since then peregrines have nested, hatched and fledged from the tower every year except 2018 when a territorial battle between two female prevented laying. There is a YouTube livestream of the peregrines nesting.

The Easter services continue with the Good Friday devotion at noon. Through prayer, music, silence and a series of addresses, the clergy and congregation reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus and what it means for us. This year’s Devotion explores the meaning of the cross through the music of female composers through the ages. The Liturgy of Good Friday begins at 1.30pm.

On Easter Sunday, there is the Eucharist at 5.30am and the Eucharist with the Blessing of the Easter garden at 10.30am.

Further ahead, there will be a special Easter carol service on Sunday 26th April at 5pm, Alleluia! Christ is Risen. And on Saturday 9th May, Salisbury Cathedral Choir, conducted by David Halls, with period instrument ensemble Florilegium, will perform Bach’s Easter Oratorio and Ascension Oratorio.

For other news and events at the cathedral visit https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk