Are Seagulls Protected in the UK?

Love them or hate them, seagulls are part of Britain’s natural history and an increasingly visible part of the cityscape. Smart and adaptable, these fascinating birds have learned to survive and even thrive in their ever-changing environment. Sadly, their past way of life is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to habitat destruction and limited resources due to overfishing.

So let’s get started, are seagulls protected in the UK?

All wild gulls in the UK are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. While their numbers may have increased dramatically in our towns and cities, many species have seen dramatic declines in their natural habitats. It is therefore illegal in the UK to kill, capture or injure wild seagulls without a permit. This also applies to active nests, eggs and chicks.

The natural food supply of gulls in the wild has undoubtedly diminished due to various practices including overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction. At the same time, the gulls learned that food was readily available no matter where people were. Whether it’s a sandwich in the hands of an unsuspecting tourist or a garbage bag full of kitchen scraps lying on the sidewalk, seagulls can take advantage of a quick meal.

Wild gulls nest on cliffs in nature, and it so happens that our rooftops provide an equally suitable option, conveniently located near their new food source. Seagulls are highly protective of their eggs and chicks when nesting, leading to further conflict between us and these lively seabirds in our built environment.

This article describes the conservation status of seagulls, the threats they face, and how we can better coexist with them. Read on to learn more about these often maligned and misunderstood seabirds.

Unfortunately, the lesser stern gull population is declining

Why are seagulls protected?

Many seabird species around the world are threatened by various human impacts and activities, and seagulls are no exception. These birds should be protected to maintain their numbers and protect their future.

Seagull numbers are rising in some parts of the UK, but this masks continuing declines in wild populations, which is a serious problem for conservationists and nature lovers alike.

The two types of gulls that most often come into conflict with humans are the herring gull and the lesser stern-backed gull. Both species of birds are in decline in their natural habitats, and in fact, herring gulls are red-listed species.

European Herring Gull in flight – Red List species due to its declining population

What threat are seagulls?

Unfortunately, seagulls are considered by many to be a growing nuisance while their numbers in the wild continue to decline.

The main threats to gulls are overfishing and habitat destruction. Climate change may also play an increasing role in altering seabird populations and distributions. These birds have relatively few natural predators, but they do fall prey to minks, foxes, falcons, and seals.

Are seagull numbers declining in the UK?

The UK is home to a rich and diverse range of gull species, with up to a dozen different species seen along its coastline, inland water sources, and even towns and cities. There are 6 species that could be considered more common gulls in the UK, all of which are subject to conservation concerns and are believed to have declined in their natural habitat.

Read on to find out more about the UK’s most common gull species and their conservation status:

black-headed gull (chameleon)

Populations of this common species have increased over the past two centuries or so, although recent declines have led to their UK Amber Conservation status.

Common Gull (red-headed gull)

Despite its name, this relatively rare species has dwindled in numbers. It is on the Amber List of Conservation Concern.

Kittiwake (Three Hooves Lisa)

Kittiwake is a Red List species. Populations of these little gulls have declined dramatically since the 1940s.

Kittiwake numbers have declined significantly since the 1940s

Herring Gull (herring gull)

These large gulls often cause conflict in cities and residential areas. Despite their increasing numbers in built environments, their wild populations in natural coastal habitats have declined by as much as 50%. For this reason, herring gulls are now on the Red List of Conservation Concern.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (saunder gull)

This is another species that is well adapted to urban areas. After recovering well in the 1800s, these birds are now in decline in the wild. Their conservation status is amber.

Great Black-backed Gull (seagull)

This is the largest gull species in the UK and in the world. They show a long-term mild decline and are on the amber list.

Great Black-backed Gull – the UK’s largest gull species

Are seagulls protected in Scotland?

In Scotland, all seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means it is against the law to intentionally or unintentionally disturb or destroy an active nest, or to kill, capture or injure eggs, chicks or adult gulls.

How do you legally get rid of seagulls?

Understanding what causes conflict with seagulls is the first step in developing compassionate strategies for dealing with these conflict-causing seabirds. So what makes seagulls so prone to conflict with humans? There are two important factors, food and nest availability.

Humans tend to be pretty wasteful when it comes to food. From half-eaten fast food in open bins to tons of trash discarded at the tip, Seagulls found us offering an easy source of free food. Here’s how to encourage gulls to look elsewhere for food:

• don’t feed the seagulls
• limit food waste
• don’t litter
• In areas where seagulls become bold, keep food covered and out of reach.
• Be careful when dining outdoors in these areas.
• Secure litter so seagulls cannot reach any food scraps. Take out your trash for collection on collection day rather than the day before.
• Help your neighbors and other members of your community understand the causes of human-gull conflict.

A second factor that comes into conflict with seagulls is their habit of nesting on the roofs of houses and other structures. It is illegal to disturb an active gull nest, but preparations can be made to prevent future nesting. You can do the following:

• Make your roof gull-proof by installing netting, wire or spikes. Seek the necessary permits and use the services of a professional to do the job safely and efficiently.
• Let your friends and neighbors know about the possibilities of roof gull protection.
• Avoid approaching active gull nests. These birds are highly protective of their eggs and chicks.

Despite being named Common Gull, their numbers are slowly declining

Can seagulls be legally hunted?

Herring and lesser stern gulls can be a real nuisance in cities and coastal resorts, but it’s important to remember that they are protected by law. This means it is illegal to kill, injure or capture seagulls. You must not disturb nesting gulls, or their eggs and chicks.

It is natural for those affected to think that destroying the gulls and their nests is the best solution to the problem, but as a strategy it does not address the root of the problem and only perpetuates the cycle.

General permits for wild bird control no longer apply to Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the UK. However, affected parties wishing to control the gulls can apply to Natural England for an individual licence.

Permits will only be issued if the birds pose a real risk to health and safety.

It is illegal to kill, injure or capture seagulls in the UK.