WE all know that the natural world is always in a state of flux, that nothing stays the same. Usually, we report on the environment in decline as developments see hedges grubbed up, woods felled or rivers polluted.

There have been two examples in Winchester city centre. One was the sad death of Winnie the female peregrine seemingly killed by a younger bird called Mel who has usurped her relationship with William.

The story of peregrines on the cathedral is a success story as they are increasing in number in recent years.

The second example is just a few yards from Belgarum's office on Upper Brook Street. The noisy cawing alerted Chronicle staff to the new rookery that is forming in a tree next to the Casson Block. Rooks, we think they are rooks and not crows, are common in the countryside but rarer in urban areas.

Belgarum loves their sociable noise. Experts think their rumbustious song alerts other rooks to the location of food, affirms membership of the colony, and warns of predators.

Will the peregrines be eying the rooks from their vantage point at the top of the cathedral tower? Or is it easier to target the plump slow-moving pigeons? Time will tell.