VISITORS to Malham Cove will be able to witness Peregrine Falcons close up from Thursday.

For the 16th year running, the viewing point at the cove will be open for people to watch the fastest animal on the planet nesting in the wild.

The hugely popular Malham Peregrine Project, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, is a partnership between the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the RSPB.

The free public viewpoint is at the base of the cove, where information assistants and a team of volunteers will be on hand to show people the birds through telescopes.

RSPB area manager Anthony Hills said the charity was very excited to be back once again.

"The viewpoint gives visitors an opportunity to see the fastest animal on the planet up close. Project staff and volunteers will be on hand with telescopes so we are hoping lots of people will come to see these impressive birds, as well as some of the other special wildlife that lives at Malham Cove.”

Ian Court, the national park's wildlife conservation officer, said it was hoped this season would see the 250,000th visitor.

"When peregrines returned to Yorkshire and nested at the Cove in 1993, it was a huge moment for the national park. These are spectacular birds to watch and a big draw," he said.

“From a peregrines’ perspective, the cove is a great place to nest. It provides a safe place to lay eggs and raise chicks, with a superb vantage point from which to spot prey. We look forward to welcoming people to the viewpoint and will all hope for another successful season."

Climbing restrictions - agreed by the British Mountaineering Council - will be in place for the season.

"We have fenced off a small area of the top of the Cove to prevent unintentional disturbance; visitors can play their part by adhering to any on-site signage," said Mr Court.

The viewing point will be open from Thursday to Monday (not on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10:30am to 4:30pm until 30 July 30.

There will be a weekly update on the Malham peregrines throughout the season on the Nature in the Dales Facebook page at: facebook.com/natureinthedales and on Twitter at: twitter.com/malhamperegrine

More information on the park authority website at: yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/things-to-see-and-do/what-to-do-to-enjoy-wildlife/peregrine-falcons-at-malham-cove