'Anti-Bird' Spikes Installed On Trees To Prevent Droppings Spark Outrage

The affluent community of Bristol, England, caused an uproar after it installed "anti-bird" spikes on neighborhood trees in an effort to protect vehicles from droppings.

The spikes, which are typically used to deter birds from resting and creating nests on building ledges, were fastened to two trees in the garden of Essendene House and Heathfield House by Hillcrest Estate Management, to safeguard resident’s cars, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Jennifer Garrett, a nature writer, discovered a photo of the spikes online. She then took to Twitter and voiced her concerns regarding the bird deterrent.

"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?!" she lamented.

One resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed birds terrorized the neighborhood, defecating on nearby parked cars, including luxury makes like BMW and Audi.

"The spikes are solely to protect the cars, there is no other reason," the person told Bristol Post. "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."

Green Party councilor Paula O'Rourke, who represents the town explained that the spikes may be legal.

"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," she said. "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. However, I will be looking into this at the council."

Hillcrest Estate Management claimed it tried several methods to stop birds from gathering on surrounds trees, however, efforts were futile. Management installed the spikes in 2014.

"Bird detritus can cause permanent damage to the paintwork on cars if not removed promptly and the worst affected leaseholders wanted action taken to try and improve the situation," the firm said.

Stevenage Borough Council in Hertfordshire, England, installed similar spikes in September on a park tree to avoid "mess and disease." The town also asked its residents to stop feeding the birds.