For the Birds and the Environment
We would like to offer our reassurance that we have undertaken an extensive consultation process over the past few months with experts and all the relevant authorities to ensure that For the Birds can be produced both safely and sensitively in its environment.
Neither Brighton Festival nor the artists take this lightly. Indeed the work itself is intended to celebrate the mystery and beauty of the avian world and highlight why it should be protected.
Specific measures include:
- Undertaking environmental assessments of the area and locating the installations accordingly to prevent disturbance of habitats
- Obtaining all the correct permissions for use of the location
- Controlling the sound and light levels through bespoke, low-voltage LEDs and low-volume, localised sound installations
- Routing the audience journey on existing, well-used footpaths overseen by security and stewards to ensure no ticket holders stray from the paths
- Prohibiting vehicular access to the site by shuttling audiences from off-site parking via Big Lemon Buses (fuelled by repurposed cooking oil)
- Protecting the identity of the location by not publicising it in our marketing materials to prevent disruption from non-ticket holders
- Employing security to protect the site (which has many users including bike scramblers and dog walkers) throughout the month
Following the recent concerns raised, we have commissioned an additional survey from a further independent expert, which concluded that: “the organisers appear to have taken a great duty of care in ensuring there is a minimal impact to wildlife and the woodland environment”.
The report highlighted just one specific recommendation regarding the positioning of one of the light installations which has been actioned immediately.
The artists and on-site staff will continue to monitor the site throughout the month and be fully responsive to any new information.
The safety and welfare of the natural environment is our highest priority.