Don't feed the greedy gulls! Parish issues £1,000 warning

Thursday 25 July 2024

Mary Poppins might have once famously encouraged people to "feed the birds" – but, had she ever dared to do so in St Saviour, she may have run the risk of a £1,000 fine.

The Parish is urging islanders to secure their rubbish bags and to refrain from feeding the gulls, following concerns about noise and health risks posed by the growing gull population.

In particular, they highlighted problems in Clos Paumelle and nearby areas, saying on social media: "The island has a large gull population and it is around this time of year when the birds are building their nests and chicks are hatching.

"The noise from these birds is often a nuisance in residential areas and feeding them or leaving out easily accessible bags of rubbish only amplifies this."

Parish officials also reminded islanders that feeding wild birds or other creatures in a way that causes nuisance or harm to health is illegal under local regulations — with fines of up to £1,000.

"Some birds and rodents carry diseases which can be harmful to human health," they explained.

"We understand that people may believe they are helping or being kind to these birds, however we ask that you please think of the adverse effects before offering them food and especially when leaving refuse out for collection."