The Peregrine Project: A Harmonious Blend of Science, Nature, and Outdoor Arts

In September 2021, we had the privilege of collaborating with the British Science Festival to create an engaging and educational experience called “The Peregrine,” held in Chelmsford. This project, inspired by J.A. Baker’s acclaimed book The Peregrine, consisted of two primary components: an audio-led nature trail and a live peregrine falcon demonstration.

Project Genesis and Development

Our journey began in February 2020, when we first scouted the nature reserve around Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Shortly after, we were commissioned to bring this project to life for the 2021 British Science Festival, which ARU hosted. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remained dedicated to creating an immersive experience that would connect people with nature in a profound way.

Photos of Chelmsford

Audio-Led Nature Trail

The audio trail was a unique feature of the project. We obtained the rights to J.A. Baker’s book and were fortunate to secure David Attenborough’s narration. This allowed us to offer an enriching self-guided tour around the reserve. Participants scanned a QR code with their phones, leading them on a journey through the natural landscape with curated moments to pause, reflect, and listen to excerpts from the book. This experience was well-received, with around 50 people participating throughout the day, deepening their appreciation for the natural world through Baker’s poetic observations.

Peregrine Falcon Demonstration

The second component of the project was a live peregrine falcon demonstration provided by CODA Falconry. This event was a highlight, drawing an audience of 50-100 adults and children who were mesmerised by the sight of the peregrine swooping down at speeds of up to 200 mph. This spectacle not only showcased the majesty of these incredible birds but also highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation.

Event Context and Impact

The British Science Festival 2021, hosted by ARU, was a significant event after the postponement in 2020 due to the pandemic. The festival aimed to celebrate the role of science in our lives and foster community engagement through various activities and installations. Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU, emphasised the festival’s importance in demonstrating the wonder of science and providing a platform for discussion on societal and environmental challenges.

Gill Riches, Director of Programmes at the BSA, highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic but also the resilience and adaptability required to ensure the festival’s success. The festival’s hyper-local approach, with outdoor events and online content, underscored the need for inclusive science communication and community cohesion, values that “The Peregrine” project embodied.

About The Peregrine by J.A. Baker

J.A. Baker’s The Peregrine is celebrated as a masterpiece of twentieth-century non-fiction. Renowned naturalist Robert Macfarlane and filmmaker Werner Herzog have praised the book’s lyrical prose and profound insights into the natural world. The book chronicles Baker’s ten-year obsession with the peregrines near his home in Chelmsford, blending meticulous observation with a deeply personal narrative that transforms the reader’s understanding of the relationship between humans and nature.

Conclusion

“The Peregrine” project was a simple yet effective way to bring people closer to nature and inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife. By combining an audio-led trail with a live falconry demonstration, we created an immersive experience that resonated with participants and highlighted the power of outdoor arts to educate and engage communities. This project exemplifies our commitment to innovative outdoor arts and our ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging times.