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Calls to Remove Protective Netting at High Wycombe Church After Dead Pigeon
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
A dead pigeon was discovered hanging from protective netting installed on the exterior of All Saints’ Parish Church in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The bird was found by a local resident while she was looking for another bird that two people reported had a string attached to its feet.
Church Response
All Saints’ Parish Church explained that the netting is intended to safeguard pedestrians from falling masonry while the building undergoes structural repairs. The church added that the netting cannot be taken down immediately because it is a safety measure tied to the ongoing work.
Public Concern
Anna Cooke, the resident who found the pigeon, expressed horror at the sight and urged that the netting be removed or replaced with a more humane alternative. She characterized the netting as cruel and inhumane, arguing that its height makes regular maintenance difficult and that a break could pose a hazard to wildlife.
Context of Protective Netting Use
Protective netting is commonly deployed on historic churches and other structures undergoing repair to catch debris that might otherwise fall onto public walkways. While the practice aims to prevent injuries to people, critics point out that it can also trap birds and other animals.
Potential Next Steps
Local authorities and the church are reportedly reviewing options for a safer, wildlife-friendly solution. Discussions include the possibility of redesigning the netting or substituting it with a different protective system, though no definitive timeline has been set.