Bird Deterrence in Raron, Tailored to Heritage Buildings

The Burgkirche St. Romanus was built in the early 16th century under master builder Ulrich Ruffiner. It is a significant Swiss heritage monument and stands exposed on a rocky outcrop above the village of Raron. Such an isolated, elevated position offers pigeons perching and nesting spots.

The church lies in the Burghügel protection zone. There, according to the regulations (Art. 68), the provisions of the cantonal government's decision of 18 October 1963 apply.

The usual criteria from my Bird deterrence in Upper Valais apply to the choice of system, and for heritage buildings, heritage protection comes on top. Under the regulations (Art. 48), heritage buildings may not be demolished or altered without the express permission of the municipal council and without the prior opinion of the cantonal heritage conservation authorities. I therefore check with the municipality before starting whether installing a net or spikes falls under this rule.

This applies to every building listed in the inventory of heritage buildings, in Raron as much as in St. German. Village zone D is also intended, under the regulations, to preserve the village's distinctive character worth conserving.

For new roofs, Article 51 generally specifies natural stone, tiles, slate or slate-like materials in a dark colour, and within the stone slab perimeter, only natural stone slabs. I therefore choose visible fixings on the roof in a colour that matches.

The regulations cover something similar for antennas. Under Article 52, the municipal council can require a colour match to the facade to protect the village's appearance. I treat spider webs on the same facade on a different schedule, see Spider treatment Raron.