Huge Flocks Drawn by Excessive Seagull Feeding Spur Council Action in Clevedon

A local man’s habit of feeding large amounts of bread to seagulls on Clevedon beach has attracted massive flocks, prompting North Somerset Council to consider new restrictions to address the problem.

The council is exploring a public space protection order (PSPO) aimed at curbing the ‘excessive’ feeding of birds at the popular seaside spot. This measure was discussed during a recent council scrutiny panel meeting, where councillors voiced concerns about the growing seagull gatherings.

Michael Pryke, the Conservative councillor for Clevedon Walton, likened the scene to something out of Alfred Hitchcock’s horror film, The Birds. “If you’ve never been to Clevedon, it’s a fairly spectacular sight to see a hundred seagulls and a man just chuck bread into the air,” he said.

The proposed PSPO would include signage warning against feeding birds and create a legal basis for enforcement. While officers are skeptical that signs alone will deter the behaviour, they believe such measures allow for quicker enforcement actions. Under the order, individuals found feeding birds could face on-the-spot fines without the need for lengthy court proceedings.

A council cabinet meeting on June 17 endorsed efforts to develop these new public space protection orders, with a full council vote expected later this year.

This is not the first time North Somerset Council has used PSPOs to regulate public behaviour. In 2023, they banned walking more than six dogs at once, sparking criticism from some pet owners. In an earlier case two years ago, a man in Clevedon was fined £600 for feeding seagulls against an existing community protection order. That individual had also previously served 15 weeks in prison for violating an injunction related to feeding pigeons in Bristol.

The council’s proposed measures aim to balance the enjoyment of public spaces with preventing nuisances caused by overfeeding wildlife.