What North Yorkshire's long-term urban gull strategy could mean for the area

A long-term urban gull strategy for the North Yorkshire coast is set to be approved by council bosses this week.

New measures to manage gulls across Scarborough, Whitby and Filey have been introduced as part of a proposed new approach which includes investment in education campaigns, gull-proof rubbish bags, plus new and retrofitted litter bins.

The £119,000 urban gull strategy will be decided on by North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, August 4.

If approved, the strategy will guide the council’s approach to managing gulls, with regular monitoring and reviews to ensure measures remain effective, lawful and aligned with conservation requirements.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Coun 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.

“Through targeted actions such as reducing food waste, improving awareness and using effective deterrents, we can support a long-term future to live alongside our gull populations and ensure our coastal towns remain clean, safe and welcoming places for everyone.”

The key pillars of the new strategy – which is currently a theoretical document – are focused on waste and rubbish, cleaning and jet washing, targeted proofing, monitoring and planning.

“While gulls, in particular herring gulls and kittiwakes, are a valued part of coastal biodiversity, their increasing presence in urban areas has led to significant issues including noise, fouling, aggressive behaviour (human/gull contact), and overall public health concerns,” the strategy states.