RSPB Pulborough Brooks Wildlife Sanctuary Roof Clean
Safe, chemical-free roof restoration in an environmentally sensitive habitat.
Project Overview
Skyhawk Exterior Cleaning was contacted by the team at RSPB Pulborough Brooks Wildlife Sanctuary to carry out a roof survey on their historic barn buildings overlooking the wetlands.
These barns are old, characterful structures set within one of the UK’s most important bird reserves. Due to the environmentally sensitive location and the surrounding wildlife habitats, strict instructions were given:
This immediately shaped our approach and required a specialist, tailored methodology to ensure complete environmental compliance while still delivering an effective clean.
The Challenge
- Heavy moss and lichen coverage across the roof
- Significant weight load from saturated organic growth
- Environmentally sensitive wetlands and protected wildlife
- Public access still active during works
- Multiple contractors operating on site
In most projects, we would carry out a manual moss removal followed by an application of professional-grade biocide (such as BAC50) to kill residual spores and prevent rapid regrowth.
However, in this case, chemical treatment — even environmentally compliant products — was not considered best practice due to the proximity of protected species and water systems.
The priority shifted from long-term sterilisation to:
- Removing damaging moss weight
- Protecting the structural integrity of the roof
- Maintaining complete environmental compliance
Our Solution – Cold Low-Pressure Water Wash
We opted for a carefully controlled, low-pressure cold water wash system.
This allowed us to:
- Safely remove heavy moss build-up
- Minimise disturbance to old roof tiles
- Avoid chemical runoff entirely
- Protect the surrounding habitat
Over the course of a full week on site, with a dedicated team, we removed:
Well over 3 tonnes of wet moss from the barn roofs.
The volume alone highlights the risk the structure was under. Wet moss can hold significant water weight, increasing strain on fixings, battens, and the roof structure beneath.
Working Within a Live Wildlife Environment
The sanctuary remained open to visitors throughout the project. We therefore had to implement strict site management protocols.
- Liaise daily with RSPB staff
- Coordinate around other contractors
- Carefully cordon off working zones
- Maintain safe public access routes
- Control debris and water flow
This required constant communication, flexibility, and strict safety management.
See the Transformation
Watch the process in action and see the final results.
Project Showcase
A detailed look at the safe, chemical-free roof restoration.
Timelapse
Watch the thick moss removal process in action.
The Results
Despite not using chemical treatment, the visual transformation was dramatic.
While the lichen will not be chemically neutralised (as it would be under a standard biocide programme), the roof is now in a far safer and healthier condition, ensuring the longevity of these historic barns while completely protecting the surrounding wildlife.
Testimonials
Hear It From Our Customers
"Excellent!! The team are really informative and took the time to explain everything building trust from the start. Great customer service and care. 10/10 from me."
Jane
"Our roof looks brand new! The guys worked in very challenging conditions (rain and wind) to get it all done."
William
"Really good communications with Chris and his team. Prompt appointment and work carried out with care and efficiency. Our gutters hadn’t been cleaned & cleared for a few years but all came up looking good. Money well spent."
Roy
"Skyhawk have done a fantastic job with our roof. Great communication, v reasonably priced and our roof now looks brand new! Highly recommend!"
Phillipa
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