Gull Management in Worcester – Annual Summary and Approach

Under licence from Natural England, Worcester Regulatory Services (WRS) undertakes targeted gull management work across Worcester city and surrounding areas to protect public health and safety.

2026 Activity Summary

A survey of Worcester's roof-nesting gull population was conducted between 1–7 May 2026. The survey estimated a breeding population of approximately 1,130 pairs, comprising 847 Lesser Black-backed Gull pairs and 283 Herring Gull pairs.

Key Findings

  • The overall breeding population has decreased by approximately 58 pairs (4.9%) since the previous survey in 2024. While this represents the first recorded decline in the Worcester population, the change remains within the survey's confidence limits and should be interpreted with caution.
  • Blackpole continues to support the largest concentration of breeding gulls within the city, followed by the city centre and West Side areas.
  • Lesser Black-backed Gulls remain the dominant species, accounting for approximately 75% of the breeding population. However, Herring Gull numbers have continued to increase steadily and now represent around 25% of the total population.
  • The decline in breeding pairs appears to be associated with a combination of factors including building maintenance works, roof refurbishment projects, increased use of netting, redevelopment activities, and increased human activity on rooftops during the breeding season.
  • Survey observations suggest that gulls often relocate rather than disappear when traditional nesting sites become unavailable.

Management Observations

  • Building maintenance and frequent rooftop access can reduce breeding activity on individual sites, particularly during the early stages of the nesting season.
  • Physical exclusion measures such as netting can prevent nesting in some locations but may also require ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
  • Evidence from the survey suggests that gulls can adapt to a range of deterrent measures and may continue to utilise available urban nesting habitats where suitable conditions remain.

Why This Work Is Carried Out

All work is conducted in line with licence conditions to preserve public health and/or public safety, primarily due to:

  • Health issues caused or exacerbated by persistent gull noise
  • Targeted aggression from nesting gulls, including swooping and attacks on pedestrians

In some cases, such as Bromyard Terrace, chicks were removed where aggressive behaviour from adult gulls posed a direct risk to members of the public.

Current Approach

In recent years, WRS has adopted a more preventative, long-term approach. Following nest removal, affected areas are gull-proofed to reduce the likelihood of birds returning to nest in the same locations.

This approach:

  • Prevents repeated nesting in high-risk urban areas
  • Encourages gulls to relocate to more suitable environments
  • Improves safety for the public
  • Supports better outcomes for gulls in terms of appropriate nesting sites and behaviours

Looking Ahead

The 2026 survey provides an important snapshot of Worcester's urban gull population. Continued monitoring is recommended to determine whether the recent decrease represents the start of a longer-term trend or a short-term fluctuation influenced by local development and management activities.

A further city-wide survey is recommended in 2028 to assess population changes and inform future management decisions.

For further information, please contact Worcester Regulatory Services.