Bird's paradise in Battersea

A steel tower rising 164ft off the ground has been erected by Battersea Power Station as a des res for a pair of rare peregrine falcons.

Builders working on the redevelopment have constructed the giant tower to provide a home for the only pair of breeding peregrine falcons known to have successfully nested in London.

The pair used to nest at the foot of one of the landmark towers of the abandoned power station and it was feared work on restoring the structure of the building would prompt them to flee the site.

Developer Parkview International therefore commissioned a 164ft tower in the hope the birds will use it as an alternative nesting site.

After being given planning permission by Wandsworth council it was erected free of charge in the last few days by a firm called, appropriately enough, Falcon Cranes.

The peregrines made their home in Battersea in 2000 and, to the delight of ornithologists, started breeding the following year. They successfully raised two fledglings in 2002 and another last year.

According to ornithological records dating back to the 16th century peregrine falcons have never before nested in London.

Their normal habitat is on cliff faces or mountain ledges.

Colin Shawyer, of environmental consultants Nicholas Pearson Associates, who designed the tower, said: "We've tried to give them another environment high up, where they feel protected. The tower is in the most remote corner of the site to avoid the birds being disturbed.

"We've mimicked a cliff face cavity by building a covered ledge, about seven metres from the top, with gravel strewn on the floor where they can lay their eggs and incubate them, while keeping a good look out."

From their tower the birds will have a perfect view of building work when it begins later this year. The Battersea Power Station site, which has lain empty since it closed in 1982, is one of the latest urban regeneration projects in Europe. The power station itself will house shops, restaurants, a club, caf鳬 bars and leisure facilities.

Surrounding the converted building will be two five-star hotels, a 4,000-seat auditorium, offices and homes. The site is expected to open in 2008 - when it is hoped the birds will return to a permanent nesting site on the building.