Seagulls Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to feed seagulls?
When is the breeding season for gulls?
How can I prevent seagulls nesting on my rooftop?
What can I do about seagulls nesting on my roof?
What do I do if I see a gull chick which has fallen out of its nest?
Is it illegal to feed seagulls?
There are no byelaws to say you cannot feed seagulls, however, we have asked all our food busineses in seaside towns to display 'Please Don't Feed the Seagulls' posters, and put up advisory metal signs in these areas to discourage people from feeding seagulls.
When is the breeding season for gulls?
Gulls breed between May and July and this is when they make the most noise. Their nest will contain between one and four young. Gulls see humans as a threat and will dive towards people who go near their young. Normally they swoop close but do not hit you.
How can I prevent seagulls nesting on my rooftop?
Gulls can be discouraged from nesting and roosting on your property by using a variety of methods:
- Netting
Consisting of strong weather-proof plastic nets appropriately secured. Primarily for building frontages and valleys. - Post and wire systems
Wire or strong monofilament stretched between steel posts that deter the gulls from roosting. Mainly used in a criss-cross pattern on flat roofs and along ridges. - Spike systems
Plastic or stainless steel prongs protuding vertically, at a slight angle, from a base strip. Usually pre-fabricated in standard strip and cut to the necessary dimensions. Ideal for ridges and smaller horizontal surfaces.
Look in the Yellow Pages for Pest Control Companies who carry out bird proofing.
What can I do about seagulls nesting on my roof?
Herring gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Howeve if there are public health or public safety concerns, a General Licence could be issued by Natural England to allow control measures to be taken.
This permits a landowner or person authorised by him to take, damage or destroy the nests or eggs or kill birds in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Licence.
Public health issues could include very serious fouling problems or nesting on a flue to a gas boiler so that fumes could build up. Problems with noise, smells and property damage are not sufficient public health reasons to be given a Licence.
An individual gull attacking people on a regular basis and where it was impossible to avoid the gull may present a justified reason for action on public safety grounds.
The Police enforce the law and you may need to satisfy them that you hold a correct and valid Licence and that the terms and conditions of that Licence are being fully met.
Look in the Yellow Pages for Pest Control Companies who carry out this work.
What do I do if I see a gull chick which has fallen out of its nest?
It is common to find a chick on the ground, having fallen from its rooftop nest. If the chick is not injured, it must be left where it is - the parents will continue to look after it. If it is in danger it can be moved a short distance to a safer place. If it is injured contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
For further information on herring gulls, download our 
herring gull information guidelines leaflet. (90KB - PDF Help)
External page with facts and figures about seagulls.
Last updated Friday the 12th of September 2008.
