A Co Down masonry firm has caused a flutter among wildlife experts with its latest development.

Roofblock Ltd has produced a maintenance free alternative to wood or pvc around the soffit and fascia of a building, which normally makes excellent housing for birds and bats.

"We have always been interested in wildlife and environment issues, recent news reports highlighting the problems bats and birds are having finding nooks and crevices in new built modern houses set us to considering how we could adapt our product Roofblock to address some of the problems," said Helen Schofield.

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She said the RSPB and the Bat Conservation Trust were enthusiastic in recognising the potential of the system.

"Working on their advice we produced a block with a small slit in the base for bats or a circular opening on the front face for birds.

"The new masonry nest blocks are totally maintenance free and easily integrated into the Roofblock system."

Roofblock nest blocks, like the bat blocks, are weatherproof and if placed on the northeasterly side of the building will offer protection from the driving rain and overheating by strong sunlight.

"We are working on a nest block suitable for Swifts, summer visitors from Southern Africa. They have declined by over 50% in recent years. A prototype has been made and will be trialled by the Northern Ireland Swift Group this summer," said Ms Schofield.

(PR/KMcA)