Fears over Dorset Police's reflective HQ that could cause 'lethal threat' to local bird population

Plans for a new multi-million pound police headquarters have sparked fears it could become a death trap for birds due to the the building’s proposed shiny surfaces.

Dorset Police say their existing 60-year-old office block in Winfrith – which is due to be demolished – is no longer fit for purpose.

Their new headquarters, set to be built on the existing site, would be a three-storey modern building featuring curtain walling with bronze aluminium windows and outer walls that show the reflection of sky, clouds and trees. 

But members of Wool Parish Council have said they are worried the reflective walls will lead to birds crashing into them and there are colonies of house martins and swifts living nearby which could be at particular risk.

In a letter to Dorset Council they said: ‘It is well documented that reflective surfaces on buildings cause tens of thousands of bird deaths as the birds attempt to fly through the surface into the landscape they see in the reflection.’

The parish councillors warned that local colonies of swifts and house martins – which are both listed as red-listed migratory species birds – could face particular risk.

‘These species would be vulnerable to lethal impact into reflective surfaces… it would appear that the vertical faces of this proposed building would have reflective surfaces…and without mitigation would pose a significant lethal threat to these birds,’ the council added.

Plans for a new multi-million pound police headquarters in Winfirth, Dorset have sparked fears it could become a death trap for birds due to the the structure’s proposed shiny surfaces. Pictured: A concept image of the prospective building’s reflective exterior

The new headquarters, set to be built on the existing site, would be a three-storey modern building featuring curtain walling with bronze alumninium windows and outer walls that show the reflection of sky, clouds and trees

Members of Wool Parish Council have said they are worried the reflective walls on the prospective HQ will lead to birds crashing into them and there are colonies of house martins and swifts living nearby which could be at particular risk

The ground floor is a brick plinth with punch holed windows with curtain walling for the entrances, with the first and second floor fully curtain glazed. The glazing will have anodised aluminium frames and mullions. 

The parish councillors want police to adopt preventative measures, such as etching a pattern onto the reflective surfaces, to reduce the risk to birds.

Tom Hibbert, an ornithologist and content creator at the Wildlife Trusts, told the Guardian: ‘For too long, the UK has built infrastructure at the expense of the natural world. It’s high time we put nature first.

‘That means ensuring all new developments help to benefit nature, providing habitats and avoiding designs that put wildlife at risk.

‘Shiny buildings and the reflections they create can be problematic for birds. There are things you can do to mitigate the risk, like using patterned glass and turning lights off at night.’

Dorset Police say their existing 60-year-old office block in Winfrith (pictured) is no longer fit for purpose

While the force is yet to confirm the exact cost for the new HQ building it admitted it will be a ‘multi-million pound’ project. Pictured: Plans for the new building

While the force is yet to confirm the exact cost for the new HQ building it admitted it will be a ‘multi-million pound’ project.

The new building will replace the A10 building close to the entrance of the site, and all other buildings on the site will remain as they are.

It will only offer a small amount of additional space, compared to the existing office complex, but police say it will be more functional.

Police say as well as office space and meeting rooms, the new building will provide a breakout space, cafe and somewhere for ‘staff to decompress’.

The proposals also show additional security measures, including fencing and new bollards, and the retention of the memorial garden to the rear of the building although the war memorial will be relocated to the front of the new building. The roof will be fitted with solar panels.

The plans are under officer consideration with Dorset Council’s planning department but have not attracted any objections.