The Cathedral:

St. Mary's Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, is a cornerstone of the city's cultural and spiritual history. Completed over a span of nearly 100 years, with construction concluding in the 1920s, the cathedral's design is a testament to the Gothic Revival architecture that swept through Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Its towering spires, reaching skywards at a height of over 75 meters, not only dominate the skyline but also serve as a beacon of faith.

The intricate stonework, featuring detailed carvings and statues, exemplifies the craftsmanship of its builders and the devout aspirations of its patrons. Preserving this architectural marvel for future generations requires innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by the urban environment.

The Challenge:

One of the persistent issues facing St. Mary's Cathedral has been the impact of birds, particularly pigeons. These birds, while seemingly harmless, can cause significant damage to historic buildings. Their droppings are highly acidic and can erode stone, metal, and other materials over time. Additionally, nesting and roosting can lead to blockages in gutters and downpipes, causing water damage and further deterioration of the stone work.

The challenge was to find a solution that could effectively deter birds from the cathedral without detracting from its historic façade or causing any damage to the delicate stonework.

The Solution: Stainless Steel Bird Netting System

After extensive research and consultation with conservation experts and architects, a bespoke bird netting solution was implemented by Safe Spray.

Safe Spray used a special stainless steel framing, designed to allow the safe and non-intrusive installation of the company’s bird netting system. This made it possible to protect the stonework without degradation and compromising its integrity.

The key innovation here was its installation method for the bird netting. Instead of being directly attached to the stonework, which could cause damage or leave unsightly marks, the netting was suspended from a series of discreetly placed stainless steel frames. These frames were custom-designed to match the architectural features of the cathedral, ensuring that they blended seamlessly with the existing structure.

The netting itself is of a fine mesh of thin polyethylene twine. It is capable of deterring birds from landing or nesting on the cathedral's surfaces without trapping or harming them. This humane approach to bird control aligns with the cathedral's ethos and the broader community's values. Moreover, the stainless steel material ensures longevity and low maintenance, crucial for the sustainable preservation of the cathedral.

Main Takeaway:

The implementation of the stainless steel frame bird netting system at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, stands as a testament to the harmonious balance between preserving historical architecture and mitigating contemporary environmental challenges. This solution not only protects the cathedral's intricate stonework from bird-related damage but does so in a manner that respects the aesthetic and historical significance of the structure.

As urban wildlife becomes an increasingly prevalent concern for historic buildings worldwide, the case of St. Mary's Cathedral offers valuable insights into the potential for innovative, non-invasive conservation techniques.

For more information, please call the Safe Spray hotline: 1300 562 053