Bird Wire discreetly protects Oxford University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Situated in the centre of Oxford, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin is the spiritual heart of the oldest university in Britain.

It is currently undergoing major refurbishment and regional construction company EW Beard contacted us to undertake the removal of pigeon fouling and the installation of some bird protection as part of these works. During the course of our bird control works, we were asked to suggest other areas where bird deterrents may be required and how these could be installed sympathetically to a listed building.

One of the areas identified was an ornate cornice with numerous gargoyles running along the south side of the Nave. However, the client did not want to use a traditional anti bird net barrier or bird deterrent spikes that would have detracted from the visual aesthetics of this listed building.

With this in mind, we used and customised the principles of a bird wire system. Purpose-made steel supports were designed and manufactured to provide a custom-fit solution to this ornate detail, encapsulating the area with bird wires running above the cornice and gargoyles. Additional wires were installed across the face of the gargoyles and also underneath them.

The final system, as shown in the photos to the right, provided a bespoke bird deterrent solution to keep the birds away from these delicate stone areas whilst not detracting from the visual aesthetics of the stone carvings.

Stay tuned as we tackle the Virgin's Porch, one of the best examples of baroque architecture in the country!