Campaigners have expressed outrage and disgust after Natural England granted a licence for the culling of red-listed herring gulls in Ipswich, sparking criticism from wildlife rescuers who question the protection afforded to vulnerable species. The decision comes after reports emerged that Suffolk Police had been investigating incidents of gull culling on rooftops in the area.
Suffolk Police received reports on 24th June of gulls and their chicks being targeted on the roof of Sulzer at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich, with footage captured at the scene reportedly showing a man in a high-visibility vest wielding an air rifle-style weapon while distressed gulls were visible nearby. Natural England confirmed to the BBC that it had issued a licence to Sulzer permitting the killing of both lesser black-backed gulls and herring gulls, despite both species being on the red list for conservation concern.
The police rural team investigated the incident but concluded that no offences had been committed as the firm had official permission to carry out the cull. However, wildlife advocates have fiercely condemned this outcome, with Yvette Hart, operator of Ipswich-based wildlife rescue service Wags on Water, stating she felt "sick to the stomach" upon seeing the footage and expressing a complete lack of respect for Natural England.
Samantha Edwards, from Ipswich, described the culling as an "awful, disgraceful act and totally unnecessary," suggesting that alternative non-lethal methods exist to manage bird-related issues on buildings. Rosie Catford, founder and director of the Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Essex, echoed these sentiments, questioning the purpose of protective designations if licences can be granted for culls.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is generally illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird in Great Britain without a licence. Such licences can be issued by Natural England for reasons including public health, air safety or preventing damage to livestock, but only after all other potential solutions have been thoroughly explored.
Natural England maintains that every licence application undergoes a rigorous evaluation process to ensure strict criteria are met and that the conservation status of the species will not be negatively impacted. Sulzer has declined to comment on the matter, which has left many questioning the balance between human interests and wildlife protection in Ipswich.