Are Seagulls Protected?

By Roisin Clausen10 min readFeb 2025

Seagulls are a familiar sight in coastal towns and cities across the UK, often associated with the seaside experience. However, their bold behaviour, scavenging habits, and tendency to nest on buildings have led to them being viewed as pests, particularly in urban areas. As their populations have grown, so have conflicts with people, prompting local councils to introduce measures to manage their impact.

Despite this, seagulls are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which safeguards all wild birds, their nests, and eggs. This means that harming or removing them without proper authorisation is illegal. Instead of culling, population management strategies focus on deterrence and habitat modification to reduce conflicts while ensuring the species remains part of the natural ecosystem.

Are Gulls considered Pests

Seagulls can be problematic in both urban and coastal areas, often leading to them being labelled as pests. They’re opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll scavenge for food anywhere they can find it—be it your picnic, a bin, or a restaurant's outdoor seating area.

In addition to their bold behaviour around food, seagulls can cause damage to buildings by nesting on rooftops. Their droppings not only look unsightly but can also erode materials over time. Noise is another issue, especially during nesting season, when their constant squawking can disturb residents and businesses.

Laws and Regulations

Seagulls, often seen as seaside pests, play a vital role in our ecosystems. As both predators and scavengers, they help regulate populations of fish, and other marine organisms, preventing overpopulation and ensuring a balanced ecosystem. By scavenging dead animals and organic matter, seagulls also contribute to nutrient cycling and help maintain the cleanliness of beaches and shorelines.

In the UK, seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally harm or kill gulls, disturb their nests, or take their eggs without a valid licence. The Act was established to protect native species and their habitats. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides comprehensive protection to wild birds, their nests, and eggs. It prohibits actions such as killing, injuring, or taking any wild bird, as well as damaging or destroying their nests while in use or being built. Additionally, the Act restricts certain methods of killing or taking wild animals and controls the release of non-native species.

A photograph of a young seagull sitting upon a large stone.

Image of gulls swarming above crowds of people

Image of two seagulls nesting on a ledge on a yellow wall

Managing seagull populations through humane methods aligns with conservation values, focusing on maintaining ecological balance without causing harm to the species. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 doesn't label any species as pests; its primary concern is the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

This protection is in place due to declining seagull populations in the wild, making them a species of conservation concern. For instance, herring gulls have experienced a significant decline, with their population decreasing by 72% over the past 55 years, placing them on the red list of British bird species of concern.

Licences can be issued in certain circumstances, such as for public health and safety or to prevent serious damage to property. However, any action must be carefully considered and approved by the relevant authorities, such as Natural England.

Recent studies have highlighted significant declines in various gull populations across the UK:

Herring Gulls: The coastal breeding population has decreased by more than 50% since the 1969–70 census.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls: Natural-nesting populations in England have declined by approximately 45% over the past two decades.

Black-headed Gulls: In Scotland, there has been a 75% decline, with inland breeding populations experiencing an 87% reduction.

Great Black-backed Gulls: The Scottish population has decreased by 63% since 2000.

These alarming trends have led to several gull species being added to the UK's Red List of birds of conservation concern, indicating the need for urgent conservation action. While seagulls are protected due to their declining populations, there are provisions for managing their numbers in specific situations, provided that such actions are justified and properly authorised.

However in serious cases, with the correct licensing, when an infestation becomes too large, culling may be the only option. This can only be done however by a registered pest control professional, after maintaining the correct licensing which has a very strict criterion. It is crucial to look for a BPCA approved member as they are regulated and hold the correct qualifications.

Understanding the importance of seagulls in our ecosystems and the legal protections in place encourages coexistence and highlights the need for responsible population management strategies.

While seagulls are protected, there are several humane and legal ways to manage their presence and minimise disruption:

Habitat Modification: One of the most effective ways to deter seagulls is to make your property less appealing for nesting. This can include installing bird spikes, netting, or wires on ledges and rooftops.

Waste Management: Seagulls are drawn to food waste, so securing bins and reducing litter around your property can make a big difference. Encourage your community to avoid feeding seagulls, as this reinforces scavenging behaviour.

Falconry Response: Using trained birds of prey, such as falcons, is an excellent way to deter seagulls. They naturally avoid areas where predators are present, making this a safe and effective management solution.

Noise and Visual Deterrents: Devices that emit distress calls or flashing lights can discourage seagulls from settling in an area. However, these should be used sparingly to avoid disturbing people or other wildlife.

Consult Professionals: If you’re dealing with a persistent problem, professional pest control companies like Contego can provide tailored solutions to manage seagull activity effectively and legally.

While seagulls can certainly be a nuisance, they are a protected species in the UK, and managing them requires a balanced approach. By understanding the laws and using humane deterrents, it’s possible to reduce their impact on your property without causing harm. If you’re facing ongoing issues with seagulls, don’t hesitate to reach out to pest control experts who can guide you through the process and ensure you stay compliant with regulations. Seagulls might be part of life in the UK, but with the right steps, you can live alongside them without too much disruption!

GULLS ARE COMING, ARE YOU READY?

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