WILDLIFE PRESERVATION

Roofing component “Vogelvide” introduced to the Dutch market

Vogelvide is a roofing component developed by MONIER Netherlands in close cooperation with the Dutch Foundation for Bird Protection. It protects birds by allowing a safe space between the roof tiles and the under construction where birds can nest. New Dutch building regulations in recent years had led to the inability for birds to reach these spaces within roofs, which sparrows especially favour for nesting and breeding. As a result, the sparrow, which was already endangered in the Netherlands, declined in number even more.

The unveiling of Vogelvide is a breakthrough in protecting these birds in the Netherlands. It enables the birds to nest in roof spaces again, yet does not violate Dutch building regulations. The chairman of the Dutch Foundation for Bird Protection as well as the Dutch Minister for Building Affairs attended the unveiling of this new product during the trade fair BouwRAI in 2008.

Bat tile – a product for conservationists

To protect bats MONIER Germany invented a special bat tile suitable for various roofing tiles in their range (Frankfurter Pfanne, Doppel-S, Taunus Pfanne and Harzer Pfanne). This concrete tile has an entrance that is well suited for bats, which has been proven with testing. Three bat tiles per roof area – fully suited for retro-fit – allow the bats easy access to the attic while still offering good weather protection.

The bat tiles are generally installed on the lower area of the weather-protected side of the roof and should not be covered or hidden by trees.