Construction Bird Control — Salesian Academy, London

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Avian Environmental UK delivered falconry-led gull mitigation at The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco in Liverpool through NBC Environment, working within an active BAM-managed demolition environment.

The programme

The programme ran from March to July 2025, covering the primary nesting and roosting season for herring gulls on the active demolition site. Falconry-led deterrence formed the core of the approach, with Harris hawks, peregrines and gyr/saker hybrids deployed to create sustained predator presence across the site.

Supplementary methods — bioacoustics, laser deterrence and lure work — were integrated alongside the falconry programme, adapting to the changing conditions of the demolition footprint and the movement of BAM plant and machinery. Deployment was structured in coordination with the BAM construction team, including project manager Iwan Bell, ensuring bird-management activity could continue safely alongside the works programme.

The target species was herring gull. Management addressed both the roosting pressure on standing structures and the foraging activity attracted by disturbed ground as demolition progressed.

Harris hawk perched on top of yellow BAM excavator at The Salesian Academy demolition site — full BAM livery visible, residential buildings and trees in background — Harris hawk on BAM plant — bird management integrated with active demolition works

The environment

The Salesian Academy site presented a working demolition environment under BAM management, with the ongoing programme of works creating conditions that attracted gull activity. Bird management had to operate within the operational constraints of an active site — working around machinery, personnel and a changing physical environment.

The contract route was through NBC Environment, positioning Avian Environmental UK within the environmental management programme supporting the works.

Hooded gyrfalcon perched on yellow BAM excavator cab at The Salesian Academy demolition site — site vehicles and blue sky in background — Gyrfalcon deployed on site — predator presence on BAM plant

Harris hawk perched on top of yellow BAM excavator cab — full BAM livery visible, residential buildings and trees in background — Harris hawk on BAM machinery — operational deployment on the demolition site

The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco school signage — blue directional sign showing school crest and Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust branding — The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco — site location, Liverpool

Project information

Programme

March – July 2025

Environment

Active demolition site

Target species

Herring gull · oystercatcher

Birds deployed

Harris hawk · peregrine · gyr/saker hybrid

Deterrence methods

Falconry · bioacoustics · laser · lure

Site management

BAM (Project Manager: Iwan Bell)

Contract route

NBC Environment

Falconry-led gull mitigation within an active demolition environment

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