PERCHED on a cliff ledge, high above the River Clyde, one of nature's most effective hunters sits protecting her chicks. Across on the other side of the gorge, a team of dedicated volunteers keeps watch over the persecuted birds, guarding them against poachers - and unintentional disturbance from walkers.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest creatures on the planet, swooping to attack pigeons and songbirds at speeds approaching 200mph. The birds, which are Britain's largest native falcons, dive on their prey from above, and can kill geese, pheasants and even swans using their devastating speed.

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