SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Don't feed the birds!

A CALL has been made for people to take simple steps to ensure that they do not become victims of pesky urban gulls.

Each year herring gulls cause problems by dive-bombing people as they go about their daily lives – there have been a number of reported incidents across South Somerset in recent years.

With more urban gulls already settled in towns, residents are being urged not to feed them in a bid to stop encouraging “interactions” with people.

Cllr Amanda Broom, of South Somerset District Council and Chard Town Council, said: “There is a huge amount of information available to help people deal with local gull issues, but there is one quick win-win statement we should all adhere to - Don't Feed The Gulls!

“Make sure rubbish, recycling and food is not left out for the gulls to scavenge.”

Tony Whithead, of the RSPB, added: “Urban gulls are certainly on the increase, but their overall population is on the decline.

“We know that urban gulls can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance, so in order to avoid them getting on the wrong side of people we always encourage people never to feed them.

“In this way, we hope can live peacefully side by side.”

A spokesman for South Somerset District Council said: “Gulls are very resourceful and highly intelligent creatures. They are also very social and often form large colonies.

“Some people find gulls can cause nuisance through noise, mess and damage by picking at roofing materials or blocking gutters with nests. Gulls can also be aggressive if they feel that they or their young are under threat, or if their nest is disturbed.”

Gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – making it illegal to intentionally injure or kill them or to take, damage or destroy an active nest.

But the law does recognise that in some circumstances control may be necessary such as preventing the spread of disease, to ensure public health and safety and to prevent serious damage to agriculture.

For more information on how you can help stop encouraging the spread of these gulls visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/gardening/unwantedvisitors/gulls/urbangulls.aspx .

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