We have developed plans for an urban gull strategy outlining a long-term approach to managing the birds across Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
Gull species, including herring gulls and kittiwakes, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. However, their growing number in urban areas creates challenges for local authorities across the country.
Executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “Gulls are an intrinsic part of the North Yorkshire coast, and living alongside them is something coastal towns have done for generations.
“However, their increasing presence does bring challenges. This proposed strategy sets out a clear, balanced approach that recognises both the importance of protecting these species and the need to minimise their impact on residents, businesses and visitors.
“By focusing on practical measures such as reducing food waste, improving awareness and using effective deterrents, we can support long-term coexistence and ensure our coastal towns remain clean, safe and welcoming places for everyone.”
The presence of urban gulls can be divisive, and they pose challenges to the local community. In particular, the mess created from fouling, nesting and noise.
The presence of herring gulls, known as seagulls, can also lead to conflict with people due to the availability of food waste, sometimes leading to scavenging or taking food.
Therefore, we have developed the proposed urban gull strategy based on evidence and feedback from local businesses, national conservation data, and in consultation with the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership, Natural England, Environment Agency, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Yorkshire Water.
The aim is to improve understanding of gull behaviour, reduce access to food, promote targeted cleaning hotspots and shared responsibility with landowners, install safe deterrents, and carry out ongoing population surveys.
Cllr Liz Colling, chair of the Scarborough and Whitby area committee, said: “I am looking forward to the debate and discussion at the area committee on the urban gull strategy.
“I’m interested to see the proposals about how we can change our own behaviour on food waste and litter, and the impact it will make to the cleanliness of our coastal towns and the way that the gulls behave.”
The draft strategy will be discussed at a meeting of Scarborough and Whitby area committee on Friday, 5 June, as part of the consultation process, and the report can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.
Our executive will be asked to adopt the proposed strategy at a meeting later this year. If adopted, it will guide our approach to managing gulls, with regular monitoring and reviews to ensure measures remain effective, lawful and aligned with conservation requirements.