07 June 2023
Islanders are being advised of the preventative actions they can take to reduce disruption and the
potential costs of their rooftops becoming home to nesting gulls. The Infrastructure and
Environment (I&E) department is also reminding Islanders about the laws protecting gulls and how
the nesting season can be made a less traumatic experience for the birds.
All gull species are protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021. This means that it is an offence
to cause harm or disturbance to the birds, including their young and eggs, or to interfere with their
nests when in use or being built, unless you have a licence to do so.
Seabird numbers worldwide have suffered significant declines in recent years, and in Jersey the
Herring gull is amber listed as a species of conservation concern.
The I&E department can issue licences to allow professional controllers to remove active nests but
only in situations where they are causing serious damage to property and where there is no
alternative solution to the problem.
A list of licensed professionals can be obtained by contacting environment@gov.je
What you can do now
- Check your roof for gull activity in the coming weeks, especially if gulls have previously
nested in your area. Advise your neighbours if you see gulls on their roof.
- Take early action if necessary by contacting a licensed controller. Once eggs have hatched
the removal of nests will mean killing the chicks. This is not an acceptable long-term
solution and causes unnecessary distress.
- Remove all unintended food sources and protect your rubbish.
- Do not feed gulls as it is illegal in most situations and can cause many problems.
- Consider long-term preventative action to protect your roof to stop nesting - a licensed
controller will be able to advise on options.
For further information on dealing with problem gulls visit Nuisance seagulls (gov.je).
Information about wildlife protection and licensing is available at Legal protection of wildlife and wild places (gov.je).
What to do if you find a gull chick
Gull chicks leave the nest at an early stage and it can be common to find a chick on the ground. A
parent is likely to be nearby and can be aggressive. An uninjured chick must be left where it is in
the care of its own parents.
Do not feed the chick, give it water or handle it, as this will impact on its ability to survive as a wild
bird.
If the bird appears to be in danger it should be moved only by a licensed professional. Injured gulls
are best reported to the JSPCA.
gov.je