Lewes District Council

Seagulls, Pigeons and Birds

Advice, guidance and information on dealing with problems with birds, including seagulls, on properties.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects all wild birds. It is an offence to kill or injure any birds, their nests or eggs unless acting under a licence and in compliance with set conditions.

A general licence allows "authorised persons" to take certain actions which would otherwise be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act but only to certain birds in certain circumstances.

All non-lethal methods must be considered first. Only if none are thought suitable can lethal measures then be considered.

The general licence will allow Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) and Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) to be killed and their eggs and nests to be damaged or destroyed.

This may happen only for the following reasons:

Preserving public health or public or air safety.
Preventing the spread of disease.
Preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables,
fruit, growing timber, fisheries or inland waters.

Noise from birds, droppings or opening rubbish bags are not reasons under the Act Therefore, killing or injuring birds for these reasons is an offence and offenders can be prosecuted.

Removing Seagulls

There is no instant solution to getting rid of seagulls effectively and action is best focussed on prevention.

Our policy is to offer advice relating to the control of seagulls only. This is because control of the birds has proven to be unsuccessful and highly contentious. It can in many circumstances be illegal.

Gulls that have built a nest on a roof may return year after year. As they live up to 30 years, the problem could persist for a considerable time. We would therefore recommend deterrent devices be erected.

Preferably, this work should be done outside the nesting season as interfering with their nests may be considered illegal.

Removing other birds

There is no instant solution to getting rid of birds. They are protected and action is best focussed on prevention.

Birds will head for a light source, whether this is an open grate in a chimney or opened loft hatch. Our advice is not to encourage birds by leaving out food.

Covering these possible access points will help with prevention. Contact a specialist contractor or a local builder who may be willing to undertake this work.

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Seagulls, Pigeons and Birds

Removing Seagulls

Removing other birds