Requirement:

Eco Environmental were recently approached and asked to work on an exciting and challenging project at Cardiff Crown Court, Wales.

We were asked to come up with a solution that would enable us to fit the exposed roof areas with our bird netting system via an adapted scaffolding arrangement to help deter pigeons and seagulls from nesting on top of this Grade I historic building.

To ensure the job was completed to the highest standard, the team here at Eco conducted a Site survey and overview report before submitting our recommendations and quotation to the client. Anti-perching systems were noted as an absolute necessity, as well agreeing to the re-fixing of the bird netting that was in situ and previously removed to gain access to the roof.

Solution:

Nesting birds such as Pigeons and Seagulls can become costly residents and a real nuisance to high traffic buildings and transport sites.

It was very evident from our site visit at Cardiff Crown Court that the need to deter pigeons and seagulls with the use of bird netting was of the utmost importance, nesting Gulls in a particular are very vocal when protecting their young hence we were deterring any noise pollution that would be heard in the Chambers below as well as allowing protected M&E maintenance to be carried out.

Using our standard, approximate fixing centre we installed a 2mm stainless steel cable that was passed through all the fixings and allowed the installation of our 50mm black UV stabilised netting to be attached to the cable using our premium stainless steel hog rings.

We are always conscious that un-attended pigeon fouling not only causes obstruction to people and walkways as it becomes very dangerous when wet, it also increases the risk of transmitting disease to the public.

Access Strategy:

Due to the complexity of the building’s architecture, Eco Environmental adapted to the task and provided a safe, working deck placed 2 meters below the intended line of the netting. Being a Grade 1 listed building, the installation teams took great care with the stonework within our working area. If in doubt we will always seek the client’s advice before installing. Fixings that were failing or of the wrong sizing were left in situ to prevent any stone damage and we were able to further minimise the damage to stonework as any existing fixings found to be in good order were reused and still covered by our Eco warranty.

Comments:

Due to the nature of the building and the limited access to the rooftop, Project Manager Tom Dacey added:

"Eco Environmental did a fantastic job despite the limitations we faced. I'm proud of the team for overcoming these restrictions and providing high quality standard of service to ensure that the installation will last for years to come."

Many historic buildings and buildings within Conservation areas provide valuable nesting and roosting sites for protected birds and bats, and so provide important habitat for wildlife, notably Gulls and Pigeons. That is why the conservation of heritage buildings should be based on appropriate routine management and maintenance and Eco Environmental fully support any enquires or requests to assist as properties can quickly erode when long-standing maintenance regimes are discontinued. Please call us on 01752 669009 for further advice or a bespoke site survey.