Chatsworth wins fight to protect cherubs from birds

THE Duke of Devonshire has won a battle with conservationists to place netting on sculptures at his Chatsworth House estate.

The Duke wanted to protect stone serpents, cherubs and lion mouths at the stately home in Derbyshire after birds used them as nesting sites.

But the Peak District National Park Authority said the proposals could result in the loss of existing habitat for birds such as swallows and swifts.

Despite their concerns, the measures were approved. Chatsworth House Trust said the works would “conserve and enhance” the Grade I listed property. A spokesman said: “Swallows and swifts are using protected areas of sculpture for nesting sites.

“These nesting sites result in faeces being deposited, not only on the cleaned and conserved stonework and sculpture, gilding and decoration, but also on the furnished balconies and terraces used by the family.

“Cars and stone paving around the house are also affected.

“The proposed netting is a discrete system which is a justifiable preventive measure for use in the protection of high-level stonework in the proposed locations.”

Chatsworth House, which recently underwent its biggest restoration project in 200 years, has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549.

The 10-year-long programme, which cost about £32million, saw “priceless” paintings restored, brickwork scrubbed and turrets rebuilt.

The house and garden, which attract 30,000 visitors a year, were first constructed by Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick in 1555.

The estate has featured as the backdrop to films including Pride and Prejudice and Duchess.