7000 Herring Gulls condemned to death in two years
"...if this level of lethal control continues.......then the public will want an explanation as to why Natural England allowed - and facilitated - the demise of another iconic species...." 7000 Herring Gulls condemned to death in two years In the course of my ongoing research into Natural England's bird kill licences, I've uncovered some truly shocking statistics.... Including the fact that in just two years, between 2017 and the first few months of 2019, the agency issued licences to kill more than 7000 Herring Gulls. Yes, 7000. The population of this beautiful bird has collapsed in the UK in recent years. The very survival of the Herring Gull is threatened to such a degree that the iconic bird is classified as being of primary conservation concern, and has been included on the ever growing Red List of species at risk since 2009. We have known about the rapid population decline of the Herring Gull for more than ten years, yet it has been earmarked for widespread extermination by Natural England, the government sponsored body tasked with 'protecting biodiversity'. Is Natural England itself the biggest threat to the survival of this red listed bird? The figure of 7000 Herring Gulls, for which Natural England has issued kill licences, represents 5% of the entire UK's breeding population of this beautiful species. And this total does not even include licences that Natural England issued for removal of Herring Gull eggs or nests, nor does it include licences issued to control the birds in order to protect another species. The agency's onslaught against this much misunderstood bird has been relentless. Based on their own data, Natural England's actions appear to present a direct threat to the species' very survival in the UK. Baffling decisions of bizarre licensing system So what is the reason that the agency considered it appropriate and acceptable to sanction the potentially devastating cull of 7000 Herring Gulls? As part of my dialogue with Natural England, I have asked them for an explanation of just one of their Herring Gull licences, issued to an applicant in Devon, which permitted the shooting of 100 birds on the grounds of 'preserving public health'. I requested both the precise reason for lethal control in this instance and the final number of birds killed. Using this as an example, I hope to discover the 'logic' behind the agency's baffling decision to officially support the shooting of 7000 red listed birds. I'm currently waiting for the results of this request Bizarrely, Natural England's own Operations Director has himself had to submit a Freedom of Information request, on my behalf, to obtain this fairly basic information from within his own department which, some might say, speaks volumes about the secretive way in which Natural England conducts its affairs. The fact that he put in a FOI request to access the data might be a delay tactic or it might just prove that Natural England's system is woefully inadequate. Public must have more involvement in licensing decisions One piece of information that the agency will be unlikely to divulge is the identity of the applicant, even if that applicant happens to be a local council or other public body. This I find unacceptable. If a public body applies for a licence to kill so many protected birds then the public have a right to know. And (should they wish to) a right to object. Making these details available for public perusal continues to be one of the main aims of our petition. And there is at least a glimmer of hope that change is in the air. Recently, in the course of some correspondence I had with Natural England, their Operations Director hinted at the possibility that in future they might not be opposed to public involvement in decisions where bird culling was being proposed in public areas, such as parks. Notices might be posted to alert the visiting public about a planned cull. In such cases, the applicant's details would be made public, together with their motivation for requesting a lethal control licence. Any interested members of the public would then be able to offer an opinion or an objection. And this, to my mind, is essential in order to maintain a democratic and balanced approach to protecting wildlife. Wildlife, which it must be said, does not belong to Natural England or any other organisation. The public must be allowed to have an opinion. Our campaign is pushing for this more democratic approach to licensing. The consensus of opinion is that the public would overwhelmingly resist lethal control and would rather work with authorities to find alternative solutions in situations where birds are causing a perceived or actual problem. Slow progress - but it is progress.... I've said it before, and it's worth repeating, that I am indeed thankful for having ongoing dialogue with the agency, and in particular I value the assistance I am receiving from their Operations Director, James Diamond. I wish progress were swifter but I do believe that, at least within the restraints under which he is working, Mr Diamond is willing to listen and to consider changes in policy, changes that will instill much needed public confidence in the role of Natural England. But change is needed - as the Herring Gull saga all too clearly illustrates. Natural England: facilitating the demise of an iconic species? Meanwhile I await the results of my enquiry into the Herring Gull licence, and we can only speculate just how much of a role Natural England has played in the decline of this beautiful creature. What is certain is that if this level of lethal control continues, then the wonderful sight of the Herring Gull soaring above the coastline of England could become a distant memory. And the public will want an explanation as to why Natural England allowed - and facilitated - the demise of another iconic species.
114 Comments
dave rees
14/6/2019 03:43:26 pm
they are as bad as the r.s.p.b.they encourage predators and then complain about the lack of songbirds
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Helen Cornwall
14/6/2019 04:09:46 pm
Could we take them to court for murder?
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14/6/2019 05:35:14 pm
I had a sandwich stolen from my hand whilst eating lunch on a hillside in Llandudno, but I don't think they should be killed. People should just not feed them, and then the gulls wouldn't be a nuisance. Natural England just seems to take the easy way out without getting to the root of the problem. 14/6/2019 08:56:54 pm
they arent outtrs to kill .. they do steal food their starveing ..becuse we stole their food . we are a nuisance to them .. they live 30 years and mate for life ..most people dont have a clue .also are highly intelligent ..
peter h hall
15/6/2019 11:34:12 am
If you lived on the coast in an area inundated with these birds your opinion would be a little different. They are very far from struggling to survive. They are even nesting on my roof and I'm not allowed to move them on. The noise and mess makes life a little difficult.
Carol-Mary
15/6/2019 12:30:18 pm
Perhaps if I was trying to stay alive and not die from hunger, I would steal a sandwich from your hand! You cannot expect wild creatures to respect our human ways. No bird, to my knowledge - or indeed any other non-human - gets kitted out with guns and hunting paraphernalia specifically to kill another living being.
HEATHER TURNER
16/6/2019 12:57:38 pm
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS , LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING YOUR PROGRESS
Pam Buckley
16/6/2019 02:45:43 pm
In response to Peter H Hall, if you don’t like coastal wildlife, don’t live on the coast! If I didn’t like tigers, I wouldn’t live in the jungle. We can’t deplete certain species from what is their natural environment because you want a coastal home. You want the sea but nothing that goes with the sea. It’s a ridiculous argument but sadly all too common and the reason so many of our species are in decline.
Peter cooprr
17/6/2019 09:26:38 pm
Save the bird cull the humans 14/6/2019 04:09:58 pm
Absolutely ridiculous, shoot some natural England staff would be better.
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Frances Wicks
15/6/2019 12:07:32 pm
I totally agree with Colm O Carolan. All animals and birds are sentient creatures like us, and have the same rights to be left alone and allowed to live.
Geoff ludden
14/6/2019 04:39:37 pm
Whilst I detestkilling if any birds if you come to North Wales yu will find thousands if Herring Gulls known to the locals as “Flyimg Rats” because they live in our towns and steal food from bins and people! Several children have been injured by Herring Gulls flying into them to steal Chips, Burgers and are so numerous in in towns like Caernarfon, Pwllheli, Llandudno and Rhyl Sandwiches that I doubt that they are on any endangered list! They even flock to Snowdonia where they attempt to steal Ice Creams from travellers who stop at an Ice Cream Wagon parked on the Nant Gwynant Pass! They are also numerous in Porthmadog and Cricieth! and cN be seen in Beddgelert! Bangor Council employed a Falconer to patrol their main square with a Bird of Prey to scare them off because of complaints from parents about children being attacked! They are not as you claim popular with thousands of Wales Residents! However shooting or poisoning these Scavengers is wrong!! Capture them and relocate them on Islands far away from cities and towns!
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Carole Sutton
14/6/2019 06:15:27 pm
Have you not considered that they were around long before humans invaded their natural habitat? They are just trying to survive in a world which has pushed them out of their natural surroundings. Get rid of the humans and all will be well! 15/6/2019 01:22:45 am
I recently went to Snowdonia in April 2019 and visited Porthmadog and Barmouth, one of the highlights of these attractive towns in the Shadow of the Snowdon mountains was seeing and hearing these magnificent great Birds the herring Gull! there wonderful evocative crying sound is the sound of the sea shore and the seaside for many people and is a huge part of the experience for many who visit the seaside. I very much enjoy feeding the local hearing girls in Southend-on-Sea, seeing thess great birds fly down and eating some food is a great experience for me and I have seen people and parents with children very much enjoying seeing the spectacle of the birds enjoying some food! The overfished polluted seas is part of the reason they are coming in land for food! The herring gulls are doing people a favour eating there unhealthy junk food for them!. The lethal Killing of any bird should be illegal the nasty people who execute such vile action are an abomination to humanity! Natural England like any form of government has unfortunately succumbed to corruption!how else can you explain legalised Killing of 7000 red listed gulls!shocking.
Sally
15/6/2019 08:49:25 am
Why call them 'flying rats' though? They clear up everything that 'we' humans discard before rats get to it. If it wasnt for them you would see a lot more rats about in the daytime.
Liz
15/6/2019 07:32:45 pm
Fortunately those that want destruction of our wildlife are far fewer than those preserving it. If people were not already the biggest plague on the planet there might be s ' reason to fight for our icecreams or sandwhiches. Gulls like many birds are opportunists. Unlike people they dont set boundaries and live each day as it comes. Stay out of their space, eat food out of sight or don't moan if they steal. Humans need to accept the world is not theirs alone.and learn to appreciate the wonderful species diversity around them. If humans were not so wasteful the wildlife that's chosen to live beside us in towns and cities would soon look elsewhere. People are the problem. No other species !!!
Pippa Hurley
16/6/2019 02:57:50 am
Seabirds ONLY come inland if there is very bad weather at sea making danger for them, or they are starving because there is not enough to feed themselves, AT SEA! After all, they are SEAbirds. The clue is in the name. Maybe humans should stay off THEIR pitch, and leave THEIR natural prey alone, then we would rarely see them on land or INLAND!
l hughes
16/6/2019 03:40:48 pm
I can understand that living with wildlife in the UK can be challenging at times because of the mess, inconvenience and also potential disease, however I really think we need to find nondestructive/non lethal solutions to these issues, looking at the bigger picture how can we hope that people of other countries can find ways of living along side large predators such as tigers, other large cats ,bears, wolfs etc if the main solution we can come up with is to kill them. We have done just that in the UK with our large predators.Surely we need a change of attitude and to find ways to coexist with all wildlife.
susan cox
14/6/2019 04:52:37 pm
Seriously believe it’s not up to humans to ‘control’ everything in sight !
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Margaret Bell
14/6/2019 05:01:22 pm
You have hit the nail on the head! We are to blame, then think it's appropriate to kill the birds that take advantage!
BRIAN GORTON
14/6/2019 05:07:11 pm
Susan you are 100% correct, its Humans who should be controlled not the wildlife. 14/6/2019 05:42:12 pm
There are a few fundamental facts that anyone intending to kill must take into account - and then act with humility and caution. We humans do not know enough to make such decisions. One species affects many others. The biosphere is too complex for our simplistic and dishonest minds to bring any ultimate benefit to it by clumsy control. Short term effects bring unforeseen long-term consequences, which are often very bad. Remember the tasty dodo. No-one today can enjoy that pleasing flavour. We have no right to control Nature, and we do not have enough knowledge to guarantee good results. Nature has its own ways of producing balance. If we blunder in all we can do is reduce the amount of life on the Planet; we can never directly increase it. We cannot directly make life, but only death. All our control is destructive. If we try to control Nature's balance all we can do is reduce first one species, then another, because we overdid the first reduction, with the ultimate result of extinguishing all life; and that will include ourselves, for we depend on other species within that natural balance. And there is a further consideration. The wish of some farmers, for instance, to control what they regard as pests is motivated by human selfishness, even outright greed, and usually wrongly measured in financial terms rather than in terms of real needs, as if only we had a right to the seeds, fruits, roots or plant stems that we want for our own food. If we deny other species the right of access to their food a tipping point will arrive beyond which Nature herself will impose her own homoeostatic pressures, and eliminate US.
Mrs Trish Newham
14/6/2019 05:42:47 pm
I agree with Susan and Margaret's comments entirely. It is a situation created by the behaviours of humans and it should be humans that are forced to change their actions, councils to properly maintain and clean/clear such areas and not blame the birds for naturally gravitating to where food is readily available and easily obtained. If we as a species continue to play God with our birdlife, our wild animal life and all fauna we will be responsible for the destruction of our land as we know it. We need to have more respect for other species and live with them, not in spite of them. As for Natural England, I'm utterly disgusted that this agency perports to act in the interests of biodiversity when it does completely the opposite and if what they say is true about their processes and procedures well, I don't know how they are allowed to continue in a role they have clearly lost sight of. The Government is extremely quiet regarding this agency and its vile practices. I believe pressure should be brought to bear from that angle too. It beggars belief what this agency are willing to licence and do not, cannot properly police it. I am so angry. The human race isto blame, I travel to various areas in Wales and low and behold tourists throwing chips or whatever else they have into the air for the gulls to catch in flight. If they continue doing that the gulls expect it and become a nuisance, what the human race forgetis most of the wildlife we have left was here before us and have more right to the planet than we do. So much wildlife has been wiped out because certain people don't want it and aal the future generations can do is read about it in books (not the same as seeing and touching the real thing) Soon this planet will be defunked of wildlife and will only have animals for eating What a legacy to leave for the future.
Domi
15/6/2019 08:52:09 pm
cull humans instead who are a nuisance to the natural environment, its bullshit that we take it upon ourselves to cull animals because we find them a nuisance. Humans are destroying the planet and everything that lives on it without a second thought of consequences
Rupert King
14/6/2019 05:12:06 pm
Its very clear that Natural England must be reined in and made accountable for their decisions to issue licences to kill/cull wild birds. We the public should know who is applying for these licences and be able to have our say.
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Mark Moorhead
14/6/2019 05:19:06 pm
I’m sorry i support most petitions but not this one i live in north wales 🏴 and the herring gulls need culling we are over run with them in my area the noise level is 24 hour plus their aggressive nature when with chick also I’m a postie and am constantly being attacked i love animals but something needs to be done
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Judith Gaglani
14/6/2019 07:07:05 pm
The herring gulls lived there before you. I live among gulls where I am and they are not a nuisiance to me. Lived here over 20 years. I enjoy them but new neighbours that just moved in would disagree. I suggested they move on since most of us living there like them.
Amanda Tyson
14/6/2019 09:18:21 pm
There were no gulls nesting where my house is now. It is inland and they naturally nest on the cliffs. It is not my fault I want to live in a house, which should be miles from the nearest cliff! Gulls are sea-birds, they nest beside it and fly out to catch fish. It is not human's fault that they prefer to steal food from children, attack and kill small dogs, rip up roofs when nesting and tip over rubbish bins in search of unnatural food. These are things which are common, both in Wales, as has been stated, and in Devon and Cornwall. I don't enjoy, as some seem to, being woken at 4 a.m, when they change shift on the nests which litter every house around here. People have rights too! That said, I would not like to have them killed, but removing nests from inappropriate and unhealthy places is common-sense, and encourages the birds to nest in their natural habitat. Discouraging them from attacking people is also important, they can cause serious injury, as anyone who works in a sea-side A&E department knows. They must be controlled and deterred from an unnatural environment. In this area people were here first! Unlike Judith's neighbours, all mine hate gulls and would line up to shoot them because of the problems they cause where they do not belong.
Rog Antolik
14/6/2019 10:40:04 pm
I'm with you 100% Mark - they're only on the Red List of endangered species because of recent measured declines but they have relocated to areas where traditionally gulls do not live, nor are equipped to do so. It is doubtful if the declines are as bad as reported because the measuring of populations is done in traditional breeding areas - not in and around our urban conurbations.
Domi
15/6/2019 08:55:06 pm
Did you move into their area? It's like someone shifting into an apartment above a nightclub then complaining about the noise. Deal with it 14/6/2019 06:09:18 pm
I totally agree with all of these comments. This quango is not fit for use, they are totally insane. Mind over matter they don’t mind and nor do they matter. I have said it before and I will say it again people like them will be the destruction of this beautiful diverse planet both its flora and fauna. The lunatics really have overtaken the asylum.
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Alison Greggans
14/6/2019 08:55:18 pm
While I would question the veracity of Dave Rees statement I would like to know what the RSPB has to say on Natural England’s decision making processes re issuing of licenses to cull protected species. As a conservation organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife - including birds- the RSPB are eerily quiet.
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Rog Antolik
14/6/2019 10:28:27 pm
The only predators that kill songbirds around us are cats....at least RSPB recognise the problem of songbirds and the relationship to predation - but cat owners in their thousands complain about everything but their cats!
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John Levey
15/6/2019 07:17:09 am
We used to have the same problem with cats defecating in our vegetable garden. They did not stay long however as our six whippets gave them short shrift. It`s amazing how quickly a cat can move when it`s life depends on it.
peter h hall
15/6/2019 11:40:14 am
Can we start a petition for a cat cul?. Boy, would that start civll war.
Gill Didlick
15/6/2019 10:11:25 am
Organisations or people do not own wild birds to dispose of as and when it suits them. Seagulls are a part of our heritage coast line and should be left well alone. If human beings stopped destroying their food supply and habitat there would not be a problem with the gulls desperate to feed their young seeking any way they can. If humans are desperate for food, what do they do, STEAL!
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15/6/2019 10:39:18 am
HOW ABOUT DOING SOMETHING FOR THE PRO LIFE CAMPAIGNS WHERE THE UNBORN CHILD HAS NO PROTECTION COMPARED TO FOXES FOR EXAMPLE.
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Rupert Stocks
15/6/2019 03:56:46 pm
The problem is too many humans so prolife is not helping.
Carol Bannister
15/6/2019 07:10:49 pm
I totally agree with you there are more birds of prey now than ever and the rspb are still blaming the farmers...it's putting an end to racing pigeon as a sport...
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Roger Mackintosh
14/6/2019 03:46:31 pm
I agree that members of the public, that probably have more compassion and understanding rather than faceless government agencies, should sign off on these licenses.
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ross henderson
14/6/2019 03:54:17 pm
sorry but i will not sign this i live in bristol and gull population is out of control.
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stephen oades
14/6/2019 03:57:49 pm
it is humans who are out of control
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14/6/2019 04:17:07 pm
I agree 110% the worst thing on this earth they do more damage than all the other species put together. This is sickening and yes I live right by the sea and I love the gulls
Rog Antolik
14/6/2019 10:41:52 pm
Agreed. When you want to start the cull let me know. 😂
trev
14/6/2019 04:01:38 pm
Perhaps it's the human population that's out of control Ross. Like it says on the Georgia Guidstones in America we need to manage the human population at sustainable levels and "leave room for Nature".
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14/6/2019 05:22:10 pm
Absolute barbarism. Why would humans make these illogical decisions to obliterate these creatures other than for bloodlust?!
Pauline Bentley
14/6/2019 04:04:56 pm
Wrong kind of gull? Kill the lot of them, obviously...like, everything else we have a right to drive to extinction
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Steve dennis
14/6/2019 04:09:37 pm
I totally agree with Ross on this issue,
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jacob snowtz
14/6/2019 04:34:57 pm
The Bulls are out of control, that sounds worst
John Woodland
14/6/2019 04:48:15 pm
The taking of chicks by other birds is part of nature. What is not part of nature is humans throwing cartons of leftover chips on the ground as it encourages gulls to scavenge for these scraps. It is humans that are out of control.
Brytonrock
16/6/2019 12:03:08 pm
I actually live in a seaside city and completely disagree with your perspective on this matter.
Jan Wallace
14/6/2019 04:18:18 pm
They are raptors, where do you think the dinosaurs went? They didn't all die out they got smaller and adapted. Either way birds whatever the breed have a right to exist, humans have to learn to live with them.
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Steve dennis
14/6/2019 05:13:27 pm
Jacob yes would be hilarious if the bulls were out of control lol sorry bleeding predictive text,
Jane Kirk
14/6/2019 06:21:24 pm
I dont live by the coast but whenever i visit i am always shocked to see how much rubbish generally food waste, chips and half eaten burgers. Yes ive had chips pinched out of my hand and it is annoying. But cant the local council provide more rubbish bins so people could dispose of this waste properly. And the amount of homeless people who seem to flock to the coast, could they not be given a job of keeping the sea front cleared paid for it and get them off the street. The use of raptors would help with control of these birds. Why does everything have to be given a death sentence?
Micky Mouse
14/6/2019 10:43:49 pm
Most of the dinosaurs are commenting on this page! I fail to comprehend why you are afraid of seagulls. If anything is out-of-control its the growing masses of people that are filling up the gulls habitat. People are destroying animals habitats at a break-neck speed, along with corporations and industrys that have little or no restraints. you should rethink the statement you posted and wake up to the frightening ONSLAUGHT of all life-forms across the planet!
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peter h hall
15/6/2019 11:44:43 am
AK47s for a people cull. Never mind the petition, Eh?
Mitch
14/6/2019 04:42:50 pm
Perhaps the people of Bristol ought to dispose of their refuse correctly. Who’s the vermin?
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Charles Corn
14/6/2019 04:56:36 pm
The gulls are in their natural habitat.
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John Noble
14/6/2019 08:20:19 pm
I live in an area where this gull is common and welcome, I love waking to their wonderful call, they are very intelligent birds. Leave them alone.
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Pam Buckley
16/6/2019 03:37:49 pm
That’s because they are raptors Ross Henderson 🤔
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louise
14/6/2019 03:55:19 pm
stop killing our wild life what little is left
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14/6/2019 03:55:42 pm
Just coming into this debate from outside my impression is - that as with so much of this government's affairs - the issue is all based on special pleading on behalf of Government's friends' corporate interests and their hoped-for profits. Keep in touch !
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trev
14/6/2019 03:55:52 pm
This is madness. What the hell are they thinking of? Stop killing wildlife!
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stephen oades
14/6/2019 03:59:24 pm
Biodiversity has crashed in the UK - we are now 189th out of approx 220 countries. We need to preserve our wildlife, not kill it
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Julie
14/6/2019 05:51:51 pm
I agree with you on this one. These birds should be protected, not killed as it is not there fault that people are interfering with their natural habitats.
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Anne Steph
14/6/2019 04:00:23 pm
"Killing" is not the answer. The human population is also out of control and is far more destructive than any bird or animal, but no one is suggesting a cull for this most violent species are they???
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ALAN BROOKS
14/6/2019 04:01:33 pm
You must be kidding! You should try living on the coast. The Herring Gull is an awful bird and many more should be culled. Even if only by smashing their eggs before nesting. They cause terrible mess in popular holiday resorts like my town, attack children with ice creams, steal pic-nics, open waste bags and spread the contents through streets, cost Councils far more for their operatives to collect it, cause shopkeepers and respectable home owners to clear mess from outside their premises and, not least, cause irreparable poo damage to cars and house paint. I am a bird lover but this species and several others MUST be kept in control.
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trev
14/6/2019 04:07:36 pm
Alternatively Alan, people could move further inland and not live on the coast, or own cars or leave bags of rubbish out.
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jacob snowtz
14/6/2019 04:38:01 pm
sounds great what the birds are doing anything to wake up these boring seaside towns with their boring londoner's buying 2nd homes there
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Carole Hughes
14/6/2019 05:17:30 pm
Black Backed gulls are NOT socially acceptable.
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Stuart Bradbrook
14/6/2019 09:23:39 pm
Bird lover eh? Clearly only those that don't put you to any inconvenience. A tad selective don't you think? They are beautiful creatures that have to be adaptable and, if previously encouraged to feed from human leftovers, will prove to be a"nuisance". We have to learn not to encourage these traits - not exactly good for them anyway - and the conflict will diminish. Culling a bird whose population is already in steep decline is definitely not the answer.
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peter h hall
15/6/2019 11:49:04 am
I shall go to Inchkeith Island today and take some photos to show what gull do when totally out of control. The island is devoid of any vegetation and their eggs are lying everywhere. Everyone going there has to hold a stick in the air to stop them scalping one, makes it look like a party of tour guides!
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Pam Buckley
16/6/2019 04:02:35 pm
Alan Brooks, you are not a bird lover or you would accept all birds and their habits and understand why they do what they do. You are another moaning coastal resident who wants tourists to come to their town to provide business but doesn’t want the consequences of that, excess rubbish which in turn attracts wildlife.
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Liz
21/6/2019 04:22:25 pm
Why should they be controlled Alan? Because we have the means to do so?. If it was gulls suggesting a cull of the human species overpopulating seaside towns, fouling the environment and scavenging food wherever easy pickings appeared would you then I wonder question the reasoning behind this, what would your thoughts be then. 20 years or more ago there were no such problems but the human population was smaller and didn't put quite as much pressure on wildlife or their habitats. Now mankind seems to feel its their right to invade dominate and destroy this unique world wiping out valuable species in their wake. If you don't like what is intrinsically part of a seaside town perhaps you should consider alternatives. Its not our right to annihilate every other species humans are unable to accept as part of that environment. Live with them, control the wanton human detrius and the birds will go elsewhere assuming the fishing industry doesn't sift every remaining fish out of the already compromised oceans!! Our own demise if this destruction continues is sadly closer than anticipated. Wake up before its too late and start shouting for all species protection or yours and my great grandchildren will reap the dubious rewards of a sterile world, the food industry along with many other essentials for life on earth will implode and the bio diversity that keeps nature in balance will be so compromised every species will inexorably be affected!
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Tim Armstrong
14/6/2019 04:02:34 pm
Stephen Oades has the best comment.
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Linda Stormonth
14/6/2019 04:03:54 pm
The common herring gull is not in danger. It is a beautiful seabird but in towns is a flying rat. It has become a pest in seaside towns and needs to be controlled. The advent of wheelie bins has been a godsend to many, just a bit too late for some. My friend cannot sleep at night for screaming gulls, children eating outside have been attacked and the council say they can do nothing. Where I live, eating outside in cafes is often problematic because gulls are such successful scavengers and they swoop down and steal food. A local restaurant put mesh up on the windows. Meanwhile a visit to the cliffs near me is a seabird spectacle but last year I was told there were only 25 breeding puffin pairs. I saw no shortage of gulls. So while I applaud your compassion, save your action for the birds who really need it....like the iconic puffin. No. I will not be signing.
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jacob snowtz
14/6/2019 04:40:42 pm
Sounds great has anyone seen Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' Seems he predicted the future
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Shirley Keene
14/6/2019 04:06:54 pm
I live in Cornwall and herring gulls can be a real nuisance BUT this is because the public, particularly holidaymakers, will insist on eating outdoors in harbours, etc. A hungry gull only sees the food, in hands or on tables, and swoops down to get it. They are NOT attacking, just "homing in" on a potential meal. People also feed them deliberately or throw left over food in their direction with the obvious result. Gulls are only aggressive when they are rearing young and feel threatened. We had a nest on our roof once and we had to go in and out with an open umbrella to guard against the mum gull trying to protect her nest from us. They are wild creatures whose habitat we have encroached upon - they are NOT dangerous, out of control velociraptors!
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John Hampson
14/6/2019 04:07:42 pm
what on earth does &apos: and other similar things mean?
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Graham Freestone
14/6/2019 05:23:13 pm
It is an invalid HTML character entity reference - you see it when your browser prints it out instead of ignoring it. You can ignore it as well !
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howard
14/6/2019 04:08:56 pm
They are beautiful. If people refrain from feeding them they soon stop grabbing fish and chips from people,
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Jane Hamilton
14/6/2019 04:10:02 pm
Another callous and heartbreaking act by a national organisation. And to the woman above who supports culling. Why shouldn't they make a noise? I wouldn't advocate stifling my neighbours children's voices. How about some live and let live
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Vernon Reeve
14/6/2019 04:15:57 pm
If the people who live in coastal towns and the visitors were more responsible about their food litter and not feeding gulls and not putting their rubbish out too soon the gull. problem would be lessened. Allow fish stocks to recover and the gulls just might return to their natural diet.
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Christine Muddiman
14/6/2019 04:17:39 pm
I agree Tim.
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David Lacey
14/6/2019 04:22:54 pm
Near on 40 years working in Conservation, I have had to cull Herring gulls for the devastation they cause amongst the waterfowl population during the hatching season. They take Cygnets, Ducklings etc decimating the population. One year over 500 cygnets were born on the Swannery I worked for, lessthan 1 month later, there were fewer than 150, mainly taken by herring gulls. My local river is devoid of ducklings, Coot and Moorhen chicks, mainly due to the gulls. Unfortunately a line has to be drawn.
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Ian
14/6/2019 08:43:50 pm
I'm sorry, but corralling hundreds of swans in a swannery, most likely throwing in tonnes of grain feed over the year, then having hundreds of chicks in a confined area, is just, well, having all your eggs in one basket. What do you expect? Feeders will always congregate to any such area - it's a free buffet, the birds are reacting no different to humans in this respect. I wouldn't be surprised if you also had rat problems.
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Jean Sinclair
14/6/2019 04:30:21 pm
Humans, not gulls, need to behave better. There was a problem not far from me where customers of a very popular fish and chip shop sat outside to eat and fed their leftovers to the gulls. It was all good fun until more and more gulls appeared and the most daring ones got the food and didn’t wait to be given it,
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Vanessa Lord
14/6/2019 04:36:24 pm
Humans are the problem here, as they are all over the world. If humans are causing problems such as leaving rubbish strewn about, making noise, disturbing people sleeping, there are not calls to cull them! Humans are the biggest pest on this planet, but as soon as another species is deemed in human terms to be a pest or vermin, there is a call to murder them and it makes me sick. Our species needs to take a long hard look at itself, especially its selfishness, cruelty, lack of compassion and distorted view of our importance here!
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Graham
14/6/2019 04:36:48 pm
Sorry but the majority of the public are not knowledgeable enough to make decisions about such matters. They only know how to leave there dog fouling lying about whilst tramping around nature reserves with their animals running loose ahead of them or throwing their litter out of the car window, if Jason got his act together and concentrated his efforts in that direction he really might save some endangered wildlife.
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Graham Freestone
14/6/2019 05:31:38 pm
Have you counted the number of blobs of spat out chewing gum per square yard in any city centre in England ? Much more difficult to remove than bird dropping too.
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Anne Cox
14/6/2019 04:37:17 pm
I would be more than happy if herring gulls became extinct.
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Chris Evans
14/6/2019 04:47:42 pm
The problem is the human race if we hadn't fished out the sea's they wouldn't be pestering us so much. You cannot blame the birds for there behavier. If they become extincit it will be English Natures Fault, look what happened to the Red Kite it was persecuted to near extinction. The whole licensing scheme needs revewing to protect red listed birds.
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Geoff ludden
14/6/2019 04:47:56 pm
You are wring thousands if these birds congregate in towns and cities and the mountains of North awales! They attack children, elderly peole, wheel chair users and steal food frim them! Several childrenhave been hurt by Marauding Herring Gulls as have two eighty year okds in a convertible car! In N Wales they known as flying rats and are very unpopular! Go to Rhyl or Caernarfon and see is you can eat Chips and fish without a Herring Gull or six trying to steal your meal!
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Huw Lewis
14/6/2019 05:50:01 pm
There are far fewer fish in the sea so clearly gulls are going to struggle to catch them. No gulls should be killed or indeed any other wild birds without exceptional reasons for doing so. Transparency from Natural England and the other statutory UK conservation bodies is essential here-and the public should certainly have a right to see any license application to cull birds.
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Ernie Scales
14/6/2019 05:00:10 pm
The problem of gulls is one humans have made. First we have plundered fish stocks which would be the gulls natural food, whether obtained direct or by pirating other birds. Second, the potential to follow the plough to obtain worms has seriously diminished with autumn planted crops. Worst of all our greed and laziness has led to massive food waste whether in bins, bags or simply littering the streets. Away from the built environment the problem does not exist. We have created the problem but, as ever, we blame someone else.
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SteveA
14/6/2019 05:29:27 pm
Shame to see so many negative and naive comments on here re. gulls in towns and cities. The fact is that the birds are merely adapting to survive in a situation that humans have created. They have been forced away from their natural coastal habitats due to over fishing, pollution etc. etc. These birds should be embraced, not treated like vermin.
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Barry Larking
14/6/2019 05:30:19 pm
This subject is flying out of view. Herring Gulls were destroyed on a number of islands in the Firth of Forth in my time in Edinburgh in the 80s in order to restore a balance and bring back endangered terns whose eggs and fledglings were consumed by an ever expanding gull population. Following destruction of large numbers, terns and other species regained to something like previous to 1945 numbers. Gulls, particularly Herring and Lesser Black Gulls have increased greatly because they will forage in towns. Called Sea Gulls these are in fact littoral birds; on ferries I always knew we were approaching land when the gulls appeared. Huge rubbish dumps produced by out human affluent society helped nurture gulls of all species throughout the year. Now food scattered around our cities have encouraged them to move in and breed on high buildings. Professional conservationists need to explain facts and policy decisions such as this legally authorised killing made public. The evidence must be exposed to independent review and the outcomes reported upon. Nothing should go through 'on the nod'.
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Debbie Kimble
14/6/2019 05:51:57 pm
I live in Norwich and we have shit loads of gulls in the city especially down by the river and up by the market causing hassle, people leave their rubbish/left over food lying around because they can't be arsed to put it in the bin which the gulls then take. The market has banned people from feeding the pigeons as it then attracts the gulls which then causes trouble due to the gulls attacking people, the gulls are now down by the river 24/7 all year round and to be truthful you just get used to the noise......we do have one advantage which other places ought to think about trying. We have a breeding pair of peregrine falcons on Norwich cathedral spire who have been there since 2011, they are great gull (as well as pigeon) deterrents and have been known to kill gulls either for food or in a fight. Places need to do more to attract birds like the falcon even if they have bird handlers in with the falcons, let nature do its job and humans have to stop being "helpful" ie leaving rubbish around, feeding birds like pigeons which then encourages the gulls etc etc......you stop all that type of activity and the gulls soon get fed up as theres no easy food for them so move on, everywhere sticks to the same rules and the gulls soon learn...they are not stupid
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LG Oreilly
14/6/2019 07:20:32 pm
I'm pretty sure that gulls in no way contribute to the oceans being choked with plastic.
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Mo Hart
14/6/2019 07:34:14 pm
If idiots did not torment the poor birds by waving the food around then the birds would not take the food. Your own fault!
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Gayle
14/6/2019 08:16:49 pm
I live in Cardiff, a big gull hotspot. I've never been attacked by one, they have never taken food from me, they haven't torn my rubbish bags apart.
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Madeleine
14/6/2019 08:58:11 pm
Something that most commenters seem to be forgetting is that gulls are not homogeneous in their behaviour. I study herring gulls in urban areas, and what I've found very striking is the differences between individuals. Some are of course bold and will approach people, but most are nervous. Some snatch food regularly while others, although tame enough to hang around people, waiting for food to be dropped, never snatch food. Even more won't approach closely, scavenging only when people have left. Because most people don't distinguish between individuals, it's easy to assume that it's all or most of the gulls in an area that are snatching food. Any targeted action should take this into account, otherwise it really is for no reason. These licences are only supposed to be issued as a last resort after other (non-lethal) methods are tried, but, given the current issues with the general licences, I wonder if this has been the case. There are potentially lots of things that humans could do to reduce some of the problems that are occurring but it seems that people would rather gulls bear all the costs while they make no changes at all, however small.
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Pamela Allen
15/6/2019 02:27:51 pm
Madeleine you are correct with your observations a tiny minority of gulls will attempt to take food from us... I recently watched an interesting documentary on Gulls the Evidenced research found only one or two birds were actually brave enough/capable of flying to a person with the intent to take part of their food to eat, the vast Majority of gulls are too timid frightened of us they wait starving in the hope some food will be given or left. Therefore the factual researched evidence supports gulls are not "attackers" or "thieves" quite the opposite they are opportunistic patient cleaners.
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Joya Ghose
15/6/2019 08:52:53 am
Is there a petition to sign? If so, please link me to it.
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Josephine Elisabeth Stuart
15/6/2019 01:37:11 pm
I cannot understand the need for people to kill off `anything as totally unthreatening as a wild bird. I keep ex-batt chickens and they occasionally have a stand off with a gull but it is all talk. They launch themselves off of my flat roof and soar. They are beautiful and funny. Their call take me back to my childhood holidays.. and they clean up anything that gets left in the garden. I know they shit a lot but that is soon gone. Please do not give them a death sentence. Who are Natural England anyway to assume the right to licence killing? They need to be dumped and replaced by a decent organisation .
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Debbie Macmillan
15/6/2019 03:52:15 pm
You have been making many discoveries re. Natural England and hoping that the outcome will eventually bring about a stop to what is going on. Both the Westminster and Scottish Parliament relinquished the care of wildlife to Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage and let them do what they want. In both cases, they make more money by handing out licenses to hunters and as you mentioned before, there were no proper records of how many were given out or how many birds were actually being killed.
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Josie Smith
15/6/2019 06:34:06 pm
They are killing everything thats beautiful natural and good in our world. Humans are overpopulating our world perhaps we should consider cutting down our breeding habits and that would leave enough food for animals and humans alike.
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Bob
15/6/2019 08:13:08 pm
0ne day in the future the parasitic human race will destroy itself along with millions of other species but we can't destroy the planet, the planet will regenerate other species hopefully in harmony with the planet, won't be to long I think , oh dear they steal your chips ,
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Clare Dyas
16/6/2019 12:12:35 pm
I don't think it is right to have culls like that. Who are they to make these decisions. ?
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Chantal Taylor
18/6/2019 10:12:20 am
They’re all God’s creatures
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Frances Sabey
23/6/2019 12:34:22 am
Not sure if you read all these comments Jason, they are a little repetitive!
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Denise Theophilus
7/9/2019 10:24:46 pm
Signed and Shared.
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