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Pigeon Proofing a Listed Building in Oxfordshire
At A Glance
Location: Witney, Oxon Problem: Pigeon Proofing
Structure: Listed Building Solution: AVISHOCK
Overview
The Corn Exchange in Witney, Oxfordshire had been undergoing a clean and refurbishment on the
outside of the building, so to prevent bird fouling damaging the stone works and to stop pigeons
roosting and nesting on the building, a suitable pigeon proofing method needed to be employed.
The Problem
Pigeons are a major problem in Witney, with a long established and growing population in the town
centre. Many of the surrounding buildings have extensive pigeon roosting points, but the Old Corn
Exchange was by far the worst. A small square hosts regular markets and food sources are readily
available, making this an ideal habitat.
Having spent upwards of £250,000 on cleaning and refurbishing this grade 1 listed building, an effective
solution was required to be unobtrusive and effective to protect the investments made in the structure.
The Challenge
The challenges faced were:
 Installing a highly effective deterrent where such a large and persistent problem existed
 Providing a maintenance free solution as access to the building is limited
 Providing a discrete solution that could not be seen from ground level and in keeping with the type
of building – this is a prestigious building which is photographed extensively
 Installing in a short window of opportunity – utilizing the scaffolding used for cleaning before
removal on a deadline

The Solution
Rapid Environmental Services were asked to propose a solution that would blend in with the building,
prevent pigeons from roosting and defecating on the cleaned surfaces and be cost effective in terms of
installation and ongoing maintenance.
Rapid Environmental Services are very familiar in dealing with the list of requirements above, so a
solution using Avishock, an effective electronic based deterrent system, combined with Bird Free Gel and
a small amount of transparent netting was proposed. Our experience in working with local authorities
allowed us to execute a solution to meet the time frames imposed.
The building has multiple levels and many ledges which have been used extensively across the building.
By using Avishock on these ledges, we were able to install a permanent barrier to stop pigeons from
using these ledges; basically, if you can prevent them landing on the ledge, they will not be able to roost
or nest.
When a bird lands on or walks over the specially design Avishock track, it gets a small electric shock, a
bit like a sheep fence, which educates it never to return. This seems to be communicated to other
pigeons and so an effective solution is soon established.
The track is only 8mm high, so when installed is invisible from the ground. It is also available in stone
colour so again against the sandstone building it is almost invisible. Where Avishock track could not be
used, for example some ornate carvings, Bird Free Gel was installed. Again this educates birds not to go
near it via touch and also an emitted light which pigeons see as danger.
The Result
The problem was solved almost overnight once the Avishock was turned on. A few birds attempted to
land on the building, but soon left never to return. This behaviour seems to have been learned, so since
the installation, the only building without pigeons roosting or settling on in Witney is the Corn Exchange
The client feedback was very positive about the design of the solution and the manner of installation,
satisfying all pre-requisites of the project.
We recommend ongoing routine maintenance, which the client has accepted, to ensure the Avishock
system is working perfectly and offers long lasting effectiveness.
Web: www.rapid-esl.co.uk
Tel: 01635 247192

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