Cowls

Did you know? Bird nesting season in the UK generally runs from February/March to August/September, with peak activity between March and July. During this period, it is illegal to intentionally destroy active nests under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.  

All wild birds, their nests, and eggs are protected by law; destroying an active nest is an offense. You must wait until the birds have naturally vacated the nest before having it removed by a professional, usually in late August or September.

• Jackdaws: They are attracted to chimneys as they resemble the natural tree hollows or rock crevices they use for nesting. They are known for returning to the same chimney year after year, building large, often hazardous nests made of sticks, mud,

Nothing spoils a cosy evening in front of the fire like smoke billowing back into your room. If you’ve noticed smoke coming back down your chimney, it’s a clear sign something’s not working as it should. But don’t worry — in most cases, the problem can be identified and fixed fairly easily.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common causes of chimney smoke issues, how to troubleshoot them, and what solutions are available to get your fireplace or stove working safely and efficiently again.

A chimney cowl, typically crafted from metal, plastic, terracotta, or mesh, is installed at the top of a chimney stack. Its purpose ranges from enhancing safety and performance to reducing maintenance. Here are the main reasons to consider fitting a chimney cowl: