Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 83
Peregrines and Pinnacles
Heritage Stone Access are specialists in conservation stonemasonry led by cathedral-trained
stonemasons. Our ability to access areas at height with IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) trained technicians enables us to both routinely inspect and maintain heritage buildings to
keep them safe, and to respond rapidly to emerging issues such as stone fall or displacement. Another
benefit of rope access is that it is non-intrusive and has enabled us to work for many years where there
are nesting peregrines. We support conservation efforts by creating safe nesting sites and provide safety
services to enable access for ringing for conservation purposes.
It is a criminal offence to disturb nesting peregrines so this
work is not undertaken lightly. Major programmes of
works that require scaffolding over a large area are often
delayed in Spring and Summer so that there is no risk of
disturbing the birds. That is why historically, works on our
Cathedrals have often continued into the winter months
as they were unable to start until any chicks have fledged
the nest in late summer.
safe nesting for the peregrines. This work typically is
informed by a Cathedral’s ecologist and includes strategic
placing of safe platforms for nest sites as well as wire mesh
panels being placed strategically in the tower tops and
by the pinnacles to prevent peregrines from nesting in
dangerous areas that could be problematic for them. This
gives the young birds the best chance for survival. An
ecological conservation approach also allows us to plan
necessary works to secure the stonework of the Cathedral
in tune with the requirements for peregrine safety.
Peregrines have been known to nest on many of Britain’s
Cathedrals. Coventry, Chichester, Wakefield, Lincoln,
Winchester, Salisbury, Norwich, Leicester, Derby, and
Worcester Cathedral have all been visited by peregrine
falcons and webcams enable live action on some. Heritage
Stone Access have worked with architects, Cathedral
staff and ecologists for over 15 years on several of these
Cathedrals, notably at Coventry, Derby and Worcester
Cathedrals where we have been actively involved in
efforts to ensure the survival of the peregrines.
This means that with good long-term planning and
regular stonemasonry inspections, making best use of the
times when the birds aren’t nesting, we are able to keep a
close eye on emerging issues on the fabric of the building
caused by weathering and water traps that could lead to
spalling, delaminating, and ultimately failing stone. Left
unchecked, this could lead to stone fall on a small or large
scale. Regular fingertip inspections enable us to secure the
stonework and heritage details of the stone itself as well
as those that are bonded into the stone, including
windows, leadwork, metalwork and timber. And while we
The nesting season starts in Spring typically around Easter
time. Prior to this, our team is often working on pinnacles
and at height where issues may occur, in time to provide
Above, credit: www.cd1mages.photography
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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