Plymouth City Centre is one of the largest shopping areas in South West England. The centre is a busy modern pedestrianized area

designed for the public to explore and enjoy the attractions, restaurants and entertainment on offer. Nuisance gulls however have had

other ideas and have taken up residence creating mess and havoc wherever they go.

Wanting to promote tourism and shopping in the city centre the council had to take control of the problem which has been growing

due to a successful gull breeding season. The NBC South West bird control team arrived to devise a plan of action to remove the

nuisance gulls from the city centre.

The Gull Problem

In Plymouth city centre there was a growing population of over 100 gulls that had habituated the local rooftops for a number of years.

Each year these gulls are likely to return to their nesting spot if a reliable food source is available, their young are also likely to return to

the area the next year. Modern urban areas are attractive to gulls as they provide plenty of food, water and building rooftops (an ideal

replacement from their coastal habitat) are a favourite for night roosting or nesting on.

As the city and local businesses are actively promoting outside dining, the risk from aggressive gulls attacking the public or the fouling on

of dining areas makes for an unattractive proposition and lost investment. Additionally this type of gull behaviour can potentially not only

result in injury to the public but is a significant health risk due to the gull guano (poo) deposited on seats, tables and pavements.

The problem in the city centre is significant enough that there is the threat of potential litigation from local businesses and the general

public.

Tackling the Urban Gull Problem

Gull problems are on the increase in the UK and NBC’s

bird control teams are the experts in gull biology and

behaviour, having dealt with gull problems for over 20

years.

The first step was to identify the main affected areas and

the gull nesting locations by completing a one day gull

survey. The main thoroughfare ‘Armada Way’ provided an

ideal corridor for gulls with multiple outside dining areas on

which to swoop. The adjacent roof tops offer the gull’s high

vantage points to spot food as well as excellent protection

from the elements for nesting and roosting.

Working in Partnership with Plymouth

City Council – Gull Control

Case Study Key Facts

A large colony of gulls had habituated over a number or years

High vantage point enabled ideal vantage points for gull to

roost and identify food sources

Visitors to the city centre have been attacked with food

stolen from dining areas

Local businesses and the city have been affected with a loss

of business and tourism

The gull guano is a slippage hazard and health risk. it covers

walkways, seating, tables, courtyards and is generally

unsightly to visitors or city centre shoppers

The widespread nature of the problem and the number of stakeholders involved meant methods such as netting or spiking would not

be suitable. At the time of the survey (July) gull nesting was drawing to a close with the young gulls fledging (developing wing feathers

large enough to fly). This mean that the bird control team were unable to implement an egg and nest removal programme which would

have prevented the gull population increasing.

The solution implemented meant establishing a ‘predatory’ presence in the area using a falconry response programme. This involved

using our in-house trained falconers and Harris Hawks to regularly patrol in Plymouth City Centre to deter the gulls. Due to the young

gulls the hawks could not be flown in some areas but were used on a creance (a type of lead). This meant a predatory presence from

the gull’s perspective was still present in the streets but the hawk would not endanger the gulls young.

Working in Partnership with Plymouth City Council

Due to the sensitive nature of the problem the NBC South West Bird Control Team, headed by Harvey Pinniger and Darren Bishop,

worked closely with the city council to demonstrate how the falconry response programme would work.

The service is carried out in the shopping areas so there are always plenty of spectators with questions! A council organised press day

was scheduled to help the public understand the project objectives. It was a great success attended by the public, local media and press

and the team were happy to provide access to meet some of the birds. The team will continue to work with the council in the future as

points of local contact will be required where roof access is needed for future gull control.

2015 and beyond

A gull problem as severe as Plymouth City Centre’s will have no

quick and easy fix, it’s complicated due to the wide area it

affects and the need to raise awareness of gull behaviour, gull

attractants and how they can be dealt with.

Our extensive experience and the initial gull scaring activities

demonstrate that effective steps have now been taken to

reduce the risk of gull attacks and fouling. Working in such a

busy, open and varied environment the team are also mindful

that regular health and safety reviews are completed. This

means that the team is working not only safely, the public is

protected but they work to the highest standards.

The team will continue to work with the council, local businesses and the public and we’ll update you on progress shortly!

If you have a gull problem and need advice talk to your local surveyors by calling Freephone 0800 169 9646.

Responsible & Legal Gull Control

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and cannot be killed or

taken, their nests and eggs taken, damaged or destroyed, it

also prohibits or controls certain methods of killing or taking

except under licence.

Activities such as killing or taking birds (including relocating)

which would otherwise be illegal can be carried out under

licence where there is suitable justification and the issue

cannot be resolved by alternative means.

Darren Bishop, NBC Area Surveyor South West

Darren has been in the pest control industry for 12 years covering the South West, South coast and South Wales areas. Having worked for NBC for almost 2 years Darren is now also specialises in bird control methods.

T: 01752 530 030 M: 07880 382198 E:Darren.bishop@nbcbirdandpest.co.uk

Call 0800 169 9676 Visit nbcbirdandpest.co.uk Email enquiries@nbcbirdandpest.co.uk

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