Scaffold left in place for extended periods, particularly on heritage buildings, institutional buildings and refurbishment projects, becomes attractive to nesting birds. Once a nest is established and eggs are laid, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects the nest and eggs from disturbance. Scaffold work in the area then stops until the nesting cycle completes, which can add weeks or months to a programme.
Why extended-period scaffold attracts nesting birds
The species involved matter for the specific protection requirements. Pigeons and gulls are not protected under the same conditions as songbirds, raptors or schedule 1 species. Church buildings and historic structures often host swifts, house martins or peregrine falcons, all of which carry additional protection. The species mix on a specific building determines the risk profile.
The typical high-risk periods for nest establishment in the UK are March through August, with peak nesting in April to June. Scaffold erected before this window and expected to remain in place through the period is at highest risk. Scaffold erected in the autumn or winter for winter works is at lower risk provided it is removed before spring.
The primary prevention strategy is bird deterrent systems installed with the scaffold. Netting draped across the scaffold structure to prevent access to nesting locations. Spikes on ledges. Reflective deterrents. Sonic deterrents in extreme cases. Each has different effectiveness against different species and different suitability for different building types.
Preventive measures and heritage building complications
Globe Cambridge's scaffold design on projects likely to run into the nesting season includes bird protection as a standard element rather than as a retrofit. Netting is fitted at erection stage to prevent access from the start. Where the building is a known nesting site (church tower, historic warehouse, institutional building), we discuss the strategy with the ecological consultant if one is engaged.
The heritage building context adds specific complications. Historic fabric is sensitive to fixings. Netting or spikes attached to listed masonry may need heritage consent. Where the deterrent installation itself requires listed building consent, the lead time is significant. Planning ahead is essential.
There is a specific issue around scaffold that becomes attractive to birds because of stored materials rather than the structure itself. Timber, insulation, membrane rolls stored on the working lifts create nesting habitat. Simple site housekeeping (materials stored in enclosed containers, working lifts cleared at end of day) reduces the attraction significantly.
The commercial case for designing bird protection in
Where a nest is established despite the deterrents, the legal position is clear. The nest must be left undisturbed until the young have fledged. The scaffold in that area cannot be dismantled or actively worked on. Adjacent scaffold work can continue provided it does not disturb the nesting activity. The specific programme impact depends on the species and the site layout.
For principal contractors on projects with extended scaffold periods, the bird protection question is worth raising specifically at pre-construction. A scaffold contractor with experience of nest prevention on institutional buildings will price for the deterrents and the housekeeping standards. A contractor without that experience will not.
For developers and QSs on heritage and institutional projects, the cost of designed-in bird protection is small. The cost of a nesting incident triggering a programme delay is large. The economic case for prevention is strong even before the reputational risk of a public wildlife protection incident is considered.
Talk to Globe Cambridge
To discuss bird protection during extended scaffold periods on your scheme, contact Globe Cambridge on 01223 890727 or email enquiries@theglobegroup.co.uk.
