Hedge hub: your responsibilities and handy guidance
Herring gulls are under threat and need our protection and understanding. Learn about the law relating to herring gulls and measures you should take to avoid harming them.
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About herring gulls
Herring gulls (Largus argentatus) are a large, attractive and intelligent species of gull that have learned to live alongside us over millennia and are often seen nesting on our roofs. Unfortunately, a decline in natural food availability has led to a huge drop in numbers, and driven them into urban areas and sometimes into ‘conflict’ with us.
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Urban gulls
Buildings provide herring gulls with perfect nesting ledges that emulate their natural cliff nesting spaces, and abundant dropped or pinched food provides a replacement for depleted fish stocks. If you were a gull, would you not want to take advantage of that flat roof close to the chip shop where people frequently drop food? It makes sense to the intelligent and adaptable herring gull. Read the Manx SPCA's blog 'Why herring gulls need our help more than ever'.
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Conservation concerns
Herring gulls are in decline. They are red listed in the Birds of Conservation Concern Isle of Man 2021 and in the UK Birds of Conservation Concern, and so are a species of highest conservation concern.
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Law relating to gulls
Like all wild birds, herring gulls and their active nests, eggs and chicks are legally protected from reckless or intentional action under the Wildlife Act 1990. It is illegal to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird, and this protection includes nests that are being built. The moment the first stick is laid down, the nest is protected and the protection extends until all chicks have fledged (left the nest). Nuisance is not a reason for nest destruction or removal of chicks or eggs.
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Gull chicks
In the breeding season (April - August) gull chicks often fall out of their nests and on to the ground. However, only if chicks are sick or injured should they be removed from site, and then they should be taken to a vet for treatment, as you would do with other animals. They should not be taken to the Manx SPCA or Manx Wild Bird Aid. See Manx Wild Bird Aid's website for more information.
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Health and safety
If you believe gulls are causing a public health and safety issue, then contact the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture's Ecosystem Policy Team on 01624 651577 or email ecopolicy@gov.im for advice before taking any action.
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Living alongside gulls
To download our Living Alongside Gulls leaflet, which includes information on what to do with chicks that have fallen from their nests, click here. There is more information on the Wildlife And Biodiversity Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
