Countdown to gull season begins
For many businesses March marks the start of what can amount to six months of disruption due to problem gulls.
The breeding season has now begun as the birds return to their favoured nesting sites in the UK after wintering in southern Europe. Environmental consultancy NBC Environment is urging organisations to take action before it is too late to stop the annual influx of gulls.
The population of gulls in the UK is increasing rapidly. In February, issues around gulls were raised at Westminster for the first time since David Cameron called for a “big conversation” about gulls in 2015.
There’s no denying gull attacks, along with the noise and mess the birds create, are a very real concern for businesses and public sector organisations alike. Although there have been growing calls for a cull, all UK birds are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
NBC Environment advocates humane methods, such as the use of egg and nest removal and falconry to modify the birds’ behaviours. These non-lethal tactics are designed to encourage gulls to set up colonies in more appropriate habitats where they are less likely to come into conflict with humans.
John Dickson, MD of NBC Environment, said: “We work hard to balance commercial and public safety objectives with ecological responsibility. It would be entirely wrong to characterise gulls merely as pests. Rather, the problem lies in where they are choosing to nest. This impacts both the public and private sectors. Over and above the damage to property, organisations could potentially take the brunt of any litigation from anyone who suffers ill-health or injury on account of gulls, for example as a result of aggressive behaviour, or a slip on faeces."
Find out more on stand B40 at The Health & Safety Event.
