The female bird of prey raised many chicks at Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits and has been seen by thousands of visitors over the years. The death is being investigated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

She was found in Cambridge sick and unable to fly, and was taken to a vet. She was examined and with very low chances of survival the only option was for her to be euthanised.

The examination revealed she had been hit with shotgun pellets at some point in the past - although this has not been confirmed as the single cause of death. Records show she was ringed as a chick in Brighton in 2009 which means she was 17 years old – an advanced age for a peregrine.

Matt Jackson, Wildlife Trust BCN Director of Conservation, said: “This bird made her home on the chalk quarry face at Cherry Hinton for many years and was much loved by local residents, bird watchers, staff and volunteers. It is very sad news.

“We will await the outcome of the National Wildlife Crime Unit investigation before commenting on what happened to her, but we do know that wild birds of prey are still at risk of persecution and despite hundreds of wildlife crimes being reported each year only a handful end up in court.

“We will protect this site and the wildlife it is home as best we can, and hope that the habitat remains healthy enough for another peregrine to take up residence in the future. To help us achieve this we would like to remind all visitors to respect the reserve, keep dogs on a lead at all times, stick to paths and do not pick wildflowers.”