We are local residents who care about wildlife and animal welfare in the St James area.

With the upcoming regeneration works around St James Street bus station and the rail arches, we are asking the Council and Network Rail for greater transparency around the plans and measures that may affect pigeons currently living and roosting there.

The council stated that their survey did not identify nesting birds or protected species at the time it was carried out, and that the regeneration plans include increased planting to support biodiversity. However, many residents are concerned about the welfare of the large pigeon population that uses this area as an established roosting site year-round.

Pigeons are often misunderstood. They were historically domesticated by humans, and city pigeons live where they do because of this shared history. They are also highly faithful to place, meaning that even if roosts are removed, birds will continue returning to the same area. During disruption, birds may attempt to rebuild or form new nests, and without clear safeguards, the process of exclusion or removal can cause distress or risk harm to birds and their young. When familiar shelter is suddenly closed off, this can lead to displacement and welfare concerns even outside formal nesting periods.

Many local residents actively care for these pigeons, bringing them much-needed food and water. For many people, including older residents, watching and caring for the birds is a small but meaningful daily routine and a source of comfort, connection, and joy. The pigeons are part of the lived character of this area, not simply a maintenance issue.

We are therefore kindly asking for:

1. Access to the findings of the ecological surveys referenced, including their scope, timing, and methodology
2. Transparency about how pigeon welfare will be considered during and after the works
3. Clear information about what the proposed pigeon-proofing measures will involve in practice
4. A clear and collaborative ongoing plan setting out how these birds will be cared for while maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of the area, recognising them as intelligent wildlife rather than treating them as a pest

This petition is not intended to oppose regeneration, but to ensure it is carried out with care, compassion, and openness. We believe local residents’ voices, and their care for local wildlife, should be part of how these plans are shaped.