Council agrees to remove Hastings Library netting following bird deaths

East Sussex County Council has agreed to remove bird netting at Hastings Library following the deaths of at least nine pigeons, prompting a new campaign calling for safer and more humane ways of managing birds around buildings.

The campaign, called Building Better for Birds, was established after three incidents involving birds becoming trapped in netting at buildings in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill.

At Hastings Library, at least nine pigeons were discovered dead behind the netting. Seven bodies were recovered, while two remained out of reach.

One surviving pigeon, named Hattrick, was eventually rescued with the assistance of Coussens Cranes after earlier attempts involving the Fire Service and specialist access teams were unsuccessful.

Hattrick was subsequently taken into the care of RSPCA Mallydams Wood.

His survival has become the inspiration behind the campaign, which is guided by the principle "Prevention is better than rescue."

The campaign has already achieved a significant breakthrough, with East Sussex County Council agreeing to remove the netting at Hastings Library.

Campaigners have also asked the authority to review bird netting installed at its other properties to prevent similar incidents.

Concerns were first raised following an incident at Friston House and Waverley Court in St Leonards, where the height of the netting created significant challenges for rescuers.

A further incident involving a crow trapped in netting at B&Q in Ravenside, Bexhill, reinforced concerns about the dangers.

Building Better for Birds has contacted B&Q seeking clarification about how frequently its netting is inspected, what escape arrangements are in place and whether alternative methods could be considered.

The company has described netting as a last resort and referred to monitoring arrangements and an escape system. Discussions between the campaigners and the retailer remain ongoing.

The group is now urging building owners and managers to reconsider whether bird netting is necessary and to explore humane alternatives wherever possible.

Where netting remains in place, campaigners want regular inspections, proper maintenance and effective procedures to ensure trapped birds can be rescued quickly.

The campaign also aims to highlight the difficulties faced by rescuers attempting to reach birds trapped at height, where specialist equipment is often required.

Residents who witness birds trapped in building netting, or who have photographs or information about previous incidents, are being encouraged to contact Building Better for Birds.

Campaigners hope their work will prevent further bird deaths and encourage building owners throughout East Sussex to adopt safer practices.