DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I've just recently moved in to a 1960 house and there is ventilation in every room via air bricks, but rather than plastic or metal vent covers they are made out of what looks like plaster but with strands of yellow straw. Just wondered if anyone had seen this before.

I'm planning to remove then as they are quite unattractive and replace them with other vent covers - but I guess it won't be any diffferent re lining etc??

We certainly havent seen them at Diydoctor but maybe someone else can help us with a name?

I read on the net that hoese / ox / goat hair was used in the past to strengthen plaster - wondered if this makes any sense??