RESIDENTS are being asked not to feed “greedy gulls” in a humorous campaign launched across Dorset.
Litter Free Dorset’s ‘Don’t Feed the Locals’ campaign has returned this summer in efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour by “food snatching” seagulls.
Banners to discorouge the feeding of gulls have been displayed along seafronts and in carparks, and 60 businesses across Dorset have already displayed 'Don't Feed the Locals' stickers and posters.
Sophie Colley, Litter Free Dorset’s coordinator said: “It’s really important we do not feed seagulls as encouraging this bad behaviour can lead to them relying on scraps from humans.
- Read more: 'Greggs gull' has been stealing food from customers in Bournemouth
“This can result in greedy gulls pulling rubbish out of bins, scattering litter everywhere, to find scraps or stealing straight from our hands or laps.
“No one wants their alfresco dinner ruined by some aggressive gulls.”
Ria Loveridge, mitigation coordinator at the Bird and Recreation Initiative (BARI) added: "This campaign isn’t just about litter on our streets, it’s also an important message about the health of our most iconic seaside birds.
“Just like humans, gulls get addicted to junk food, either from us directly feeding it to them or from them litter picking bins when food isn’t disposed of well enough.
“This junk food diet is proving devastating for their gut health and although it may seem like there are loads of Gulls around, the Herring Gull has actually been on the RSPB Red list since 2009 due to declining populations.
“Gulls are the sound of the British seaside and need our protection so BARI says please don’t feed the locals!”
Dr Georgia Jones is a senior lecturer at Bournemouth University who has previously carried out research into gull species. She agreed that gulls need better protection.
She said: “The species of gull most often encountered in urban environments are herring gulls (Larus argentatus).
“They are attracted to urban environments because of the availability of food at landfills and discarded human food.
“We have created our own problem by feeding gulls and effectively teaching them to steal food from us – they are very intelligent.
“Gulls get a very unfair reputation.”
For more information about the campaign visit https://www.litterfreedorset.co.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel