A BIRD of prey has been set loose on Brunel University's campus to reduce the pigeon population on campus.

Twice a week for two hours the Harris hawk will be seen swooping and encircling the site between Kingston Lane and Cleveland Road, Uxbridge.

The bird of prey has been brought in for a trial period to worry the many pigeons who habitually roost on the university's buildings.

The experiment is seen as an environmentally friendly attempt to reduce the pigeon population on the campus. There are two hawks, though only one is used at a time.

Brunel University's Support Service Manager, David McAuley, said "Everyone's stopping and staring. They love it. We've had a very positive reaction.

"The idea is that the hawk unsettles the unwanted birds. We don't expect that the pigeons will be killed, and are rarely attacked by the hawk."

If the six-week trial, from pest control firm Enviroguard, proves successful, he hopes to attract birds of prey naturally.

Mr McAuley said the plan was to try to avoid using deterrents such as spikes or netting which are unsightly.

"Kestrels and Sparrowhawks can often be seen in and above the University," he added. "They frequently hunt in the Bicentenary Gardens, a wildlife area on Kingston Lane, which is part of the campus.

"We're looking at placing suitable bird habitats designed to attract birds of prey. We propose to place a ledge-like platform on the chimney of the Antonin Artaud building, which we hope will eventually prove to be a desirable, long term residence for Peregrine Falcon."