Wealthy residents fitted trees with ‘anti-bird spikes’ in a bid to protect their expensive cars from droppings, outraging environmentalists.
The spikes - which are usually used to stop birds resting and building nests on ledges and nooks on buildings - have been nailed to two trees in an exclusive part of Bristol.
The trees, in the front gardens of Essendene House and Heathfield House, both privately owned flats near Clifton Down, have been described by a local Green councillor as “literally uninhabitable to birds.”
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed the spikes were "solely to to protect cars" - which include a number of expensive BMW's and Audis - from bird poo.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident said: "The spikes are solely to protect the cars, there is no other reason.
"There is a big problem with bird droppings around here. They can really make a mess of cars, and for some reason the birds do seem to congregate around this area.
"We did try other methods to scare off the birds.
"I think we had a wooden bird of prey in the branches, but that didn't seem to do anything.
"I would say there are a number of other trees around - we are right by The Downs."
The ‘anti-bird spikes’ are commonly used in shopping centres – including Broadmead and Cabot Circus in the city – to protect shoppers from falling bird poo.
But the use of spikes in trees is a much less common occurrence, although they are understood to have been put in the branches some time ago.
Green Party councillor Paula O'Rourke, who represents the area, said: “I’m aware that the landowner might be legally within their rights to do this to the trees as they seem to be on private land.
“However, I will be looking into this at the council.
“Whether allowed or not though, it looks awful and it’s a shame to see trees being literally made uninhabitable to birds – presumably for the sake of car parking.
"Sometimes it’s too easy to lose sight of the benefit that we all gain from trees and green spaces and from the presence of wildlife around us in the city.”
Twitter user Jennifer Garrett wrote: “Our war on wildlife: now birds are not allowed in trees...?! Pigeon spikes spotted in Clifton, Bristol above a car park. Has anyone seen this before? How is it allowed?!”
Ms Garrett's tweet has been retweeted more than 200 times, with many other users coming out in support of her concerns.
Iain Green said: “I'm lost for words at how appalling this is!”
And Donna Rainey added: “We have reached a new low. Appalling!”
SWNS
