Biodiversity

The Story So Far

The University’s resident pair of Peregrine Falcons, Bonnie & Clyde, return to the Gilbert Scott Tower each year to nest and raise their young. This is currently the only closley monitored nest in Glasgow. The University has been following their story since 2022, but it is possible that the pair have been nesting in the Tower for years. 

The Peregrines have since become a beloved part of the UofG community, adding a touch of magic to the University's historic campus. In 2024, the University's community selected 'Bonnie' for the female and 'Clyde' for the male from over 300 name suggestions. Bonnie is a nod to the term ‘Bonnie Scotland’ and Clyde honours the River Clyde that runs through Glasgow.

Bonnie & Clyde were issued with UofG staff cards to celebrate their names.

Peregrine Falcon Conversation Efforts 

The University of Glasgow is proud to support biodiversity across our campuses, and as part of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027), it is our responsibility to protect species such as the Peregrine Falcons who choose to make a home here. Peregrine Falcons are also a highly protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Historic, hard to reach spots such as the Gilbert Scott Tower have become a fast favourite for Peregrines as they move into urban areas.

The Glasgow Peregrine Project, a successful collaboration between the University, the Scottish Ornithologist Club, and the RSPB, was established in recent years to protect the pair and better understand the behaviour of Glasgow's urban Peregrine Falcons. The University's Sustainability Team provided funding to install cameras in the nest site which allow for monitoring and observation. Combined with initiatives such as ringing and tracking the birds, this helps the Project to understand their behaviours, including how they nest, raise and feed their young.