WHAT appears to be an all-out battle among the famous Symonds Yat peregrine falcons has left a female injured, a male missing and a new couple dominating the rocky roost.

Barry Embling, the RSPB's manager in the Forest, says the previously dominant female peregrine was rescued by Forestry Commission staff with serious injuries to one of her eyes. Her mate, the male, has vanished.

The female, being looked after at the Birds of Prey Centre in Newent has significant eye injuries with only 75 per cent working vision remaining in one eye.

Owner, Jemima Parry Jones, says: "If the bird was released back into the wild at Symonds Yat she would face almost certain death."

Releasing her locally is not an option, as Jemima believes she would probably fly back to Symonds Yat where she would be attacked.

The solution – a trip up North for a release in Yorkshire.

•Peregrines are no ordinary bird of prey, they are spectacular fliers and are said to be the fastest thing that's ever flown under its own power. They've been recorded diving at more than 400 kilometres an hour.

•Full story...see page 34