Bournemouth Aviary visibility improvement pushed back

BCP Council decided to paint the rest of the mesh on Bournemouth's aviary black after a successful trial period concluded black paint “does help people see the birds”. 

However, the bid to improve visibility has now been pushed back to September.

A spokesperson from BCP council said: "It's not been possible for our contractor to complete the painting at Bournemouth Aviary in the Lower Gardens due to the high number of visitors at the site.

"The contractor is due to return to complete the works in September."

The council have been also looking into other visibility options. 

"We will be prioritising the painting works first and then assess what other works are required.  

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“All options need to be safe for the birds, able to withstand the birds pecking at them and be consistent with the design guidance in the planning conditions. These options and associated costs are being considered."

Aviary being painted. Picture by BCP Council

The aviary was funded by £266,255 in public donations - as well as a £150,000 community infrastructure levy from the BCP Council and the Parks Foundation. 

The new landmark structure, which houses around 200 tropical birds, received widespread criticism from residents and tourists saying the birds were not visible through the double layered metal grill.

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The Parks Foundation described it as a "landmark structure" offering more room for the birds to fly and a "360 degree viewing experience".

They said it was built to "higher welfare standards" using "sustainable" materials.

The new Cooper-Thompson Rescue Aviary has replaced the old 1980s building that was previously in the gardens.

The landmark structure has been 20 years in the making and took several months to build.