Quick facts
- Common species
- Herring gull and lesser black-backed gull
- Nesting season
- April to August, with chicks on roofs through the summer
- Where they nest
- Flat roofs, chimney stacks, parapets and plant rooms
- Legal status
- All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- Key problem
- Noise, fouling, damaged roofs, torn bin bags and defensive diving in the breeding season
Why gulls nest in South London
Gulls have moved inland and into towns because roofs are safe from predators and cities provide plenty of food from bins, takeaways and markets. Along the river at Rotherhithe, Deptford, Greenwich, Woolwich and Thamesmead, and on large flat roofs further inland, gull colonies return year after year.
Signs of a gull problem
- Gulls repeatedly landing on the same roof, chimney or ledge in spring
- Nests made of grass and twigs on flat roofs or between chimney pots
- Loud calling from dawn and birds diving at people near the building in summer
- Fouling on cars, windows and walkways and blocked gutters
- Bin bags torn open on collection days
The law on gulls
Gulls are protected wild birds. It is illegal to injure or kill them, or to damage or destroy an active nest or eggs, except under the specific conditions of a licence issued by Natural England. For almost every property the answer is prevention: stopping gulls from nesting before the season starts.
How we control gulls
- Survey of the roof, chimneys and ledges to see where the birds land and nest
- Proofing with netting, wires or spikes designed for gulls, fitted outside the nesting season where possible
- Removing old, inactive nest material and clearing fouling
- Advice on waste storage so the building is less attractive to feeding gulls
For flats and commercial buildings we can quote for a roof survey and proofing plan, and fit it before the next nesting season.
Prevention
- Proof flat roofs and chimney stacks between September and February, before gulls return
- Use gull-proof sacks or lidded bins on collection days
- Never feed gulls, and ask neighbours and tenants not to either
Seagull control across Southwark and London
We deal with seagull problems in homes and businesses across South London. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Seagull control: questions and answers
Can you remove a gull's nest?
Not while it is active with eggs or chicks unless a licence condition applies. We remove old nest material outside the season and proof the roof so gulls cannot nest again.
When should I get gull proofing fitted?
Ideally between September and February, before gulls return to nest in spring.
Why are gulls diving at people?
Adult gulls defend their chicks from late May to August. The behaviour stops once chicks fledge, and proofing prevents it happening the next year.
Do you proof blocks of flats?
Yes. We survey and proof roofs, balconies and plant areas for managing agents, landlords and residents' associations.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.