Protected seagulls nest on Dorset Police patrol car

Cones have been placed around the car to prevent the nest being disturbed

Author: George SharpePublished 27th May 2022

Police officers in a Dorset town have found themselves in a legal quandary.

Protected seagulls have nested on top of one of their patrol cars in Bridport meaning it can't be deployed.

It's illegal to remove or destroy nests without special permission.

Officers say they're working with Natural England to find a solution.

Bridport Seagulls police car


Bridport Seagulls police car


Bridport Seagulls police car


Neighbourhood Inspector Ged Want, of West Dorset police, said:

“Officers at Bridport Police Station noticed the nesting seagull three days ago and were aware that it should not be disturbed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“We are now liaising with Natural England to explore what options are available to us in these unusual circumstances.

"As this is a spare vehicle, there are sufficient cars at the location to meet our operational requirements and there will be no impact on our daily activities. However, we are keen to get the vehicle operational as soon as possible.”

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