RoboBird installed to protect Devon bathing water

RoboBird is modelled on a peregrine falcon to deter birds from pooing in the water

A robotic bird of prey is being used to stop seagulls contaminating bathing water in Devon.

Modelled after a peregrine falcon, the "peregrinator" will perch on Teignmouth promenade throughout the bathing water season to deter birds from pooing in the water.

The Environment Agency and Teignbridge Council have deployed RoboBird to try and reduce the impact of bird poo, which can affect water quality.

Environmental monitoring officer Jonathan Harvey said the effectiveness of RoboBird would be gauged through water quality sampling.

'Conventional approaches'

The Environment Agency’s bathing water season began last week and sampling of bathing waters will be carried out regularly until the end of September.

Mr Harvey said: "We have also planned more conventional approaches for enhancing Teignmouth’s bathing water quality this season, including investigations into drainage systems and potential misconnections."

Teignbridge Council has completed bird counts around the bathing water sampling point, before and after the deployment of the RoboBird so its impact on wildfowl populations can be monitored.

Resort manager Sarah Holgate said: "As we unveil this exciting initiative, we also urge responsible environmental practices.

"Avoid pouring waste oil into drains or sewers, as it poses a threat to our beaches.”

The Environment Agency is also accepting name suggestions for the robot which can be submitted on social media using #EArobobird.