Nature reserve uses bird protection film on windows

Birds can detect the film on windows but are not alarmed by it

A nature reserve has installed a protection window film that birds can detect, stopping them from crashing into its windows.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Gloucestershire is among the first UK nature reserve to use glass protection technology to tackle a major cause of bird deaths - window collisions.

Annually, an estimated 100 million birds crash into windows in the UK, according to the British Trust for Ornithology. The technology uses UV active film, making windows detectable to birds, while remaining almost clear to humans.

Anna Cork, reserve warden at WWT Slimbridge, said: "Slimbridge is a haven for wetland birds, and we're proud to be taking meaningful action to protect them."

The specialist film helps tackle a major issue around bird conservation

The newest installation of the protection film covers the panoramic windows of Slimbridge Garden Estuary Restaurant.

It overlooks the Severn Estuary, a stopover for thousands of wetland birds.

The glass windows previously posed a serious risks to the birds and Ms Cork says the film plays a "vital" role in conservation, while blending seamlessly with the buildings design.

Chris George, manager of the company who supplies the film, said: "WWT Slimbridge is setting an example in bird-safe building design."