Pigeon lofts and the Maltese environment

Abstract

Pigeon lofts have become common sights on the roof of buildings both in Malta and Gozo. It is evident that no action whatsoever is being taken for their control and thus Maltese people have taken advantage, constructing lofts of all sizes, shapes and colours. The purpose of this dissertation is to analyse the impact of these pigeon lofts on the Maltese Environment. To familiarise oneself with pigeon racing, the first part of the dissertation gives an overall view of the sport in general, and how it is practised here in Malta. The second part reveals the construction of lofts and their design, as well as an overall view of existing policies in the Structure Plan. Ancient lofts and dovecotes are also mentioned in order to demonstrate their evolution throughout the years. The third and last part of the dissertation will consist of a number of brief case studies on various Maltese lofts to show their impact on the Maltese environment. A number of pictures and photographs are being presented throughout the dissertation. The pictures are mainly of lofts in England and Belgium, where the sport is more popular. All the other photographs were taken by myself from street level so that their impact on the streetscape and the Maltese environment is more evident. The pictures have been copied from a weekly racing pigeon journal, and another monthly magazine, whereas the photographs have been taken using a 28 - 200 mm lens. Adverts and articles of pigeons, lofts and races are presented in the dissertation to show their importance, both financial and recreational. All the statistics mentioned have been obtained through the Federation of Pigeon Racing Clubs in Ħamrun and are only approximate.