Feeding wildlife

Question

Hello all, I am a new member here looking for advice. I live in the Wimbledon area and have recently seen a sign from Merton council prohibiting the feeding of wildlife. On further research online I have seen that a woman was recently fined heavily for feeding them in her own back garden?? Surely I have a right to feed who I want in my own property?

monkeycheese · Answer

Hi Clare, I also live in Merton. I suspect that the signs refer to public areas. The story you might have seen might refer to the lady in Conwy who was fined because she was feeding up to 100 birds in her garden, the flock being comprised of gulls and pigeons. The resulting droppings on the neighbours washing were the issue and despite warnings, she continued. Unless your garden visitors are as intrusive, I cannot see an issue with what you do in your own garden, assuming it is not a council house. That might cause complications. I have as many as 50 Ferals that visit my garden regularly and they restrict their deposits to my roof and garden.

Catlady · Answer

Hi Clare, welcome from me up in the very far north of Scotland, in Caithness. I live in the country and have a feeding area. Many different types of birds come about. My next door neighbour, whose garden is backed onto ours, but divided by fencing, trees, shrubs and foilage also has an interst in the wildlife, so all is good. Yes you can feed what you want on your own property but the problem arises when you have neighbour's who are not so wildlife friendly, especially if you are in a town/city where many houses are together. I am unsure about the legal side of feeding where there are signs. Also regarding the person who was fined, maybe there had been problems and warnings prior to the fine. Someone else may hopefully help.