New measures to manage gull populations in North Yorkshire’s coastal towns have been introduced as part of a proposed strategy set to be discussed by councillors.
Work has already begun in Scarborough, where North Yorkshire Council’s waste and street scene teams have started installing gull-proof litter bins. The new bins feature fully covered, heavy metal flaps designed to prevent gulls from accessing rubbish and scavenging for food.
The installations form part of a broader urban gull strategy covering Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. Council executive members will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday, 4th August.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “Gulls are a defining feature of the county’s coastal communities; however, their growing number in urban areas creates challenges.
“Although we can put measures in place to manage their impact, our message to the public is to stop feeding them – they are opportunists and any encouragement can lead to scavenging and taking food.
“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.”
Under the proposed strategy, a total of £119,500 would be allocated in the first year. Alongside the specialised public bins, the council plans to supply residents with gull-proof sacks and conduct seasonal jet-washing in street hotspots.
Gull species, including herring gulls and kittiwakes, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. However, growing urban populations cause friction due to noise, nesting, fouling, and aggressive food scavenging.
The proposed strategy was developed using evidence and feedback from local businesses, conservation data, and consultation with the Yorkshire Coast Urban Gull Partnership, Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and Yorkshire Water.
Key aims of the plan include improving public understanding of gull behaviour, cutting off access to food waste, installing safe deterrents, and conducting ongoing population surveys.
If approved, the strategy will guide the council’s management approach across the coast, with regular reviews to ensure the measures comply with wildlife conservation laws while keeping public spaces clean.
