Research / Case Studies

Back in 2006 in conjunction with Gloucester City Council we designed and developed a plastic injection moulded imitation seagull egg. Its purpose was to see if replacing the eggs in the nest with imitation ones, would work just as well or if not better than the traditional method of egg oiling. The results were extremely interesting.

In November of 2006 Mr Brentnall who organised the project reported his finding to the Gloucester Gull Action Group and from this other Councils and individual became aware of the eggs and further trials have been completed to further prove the effectiveness of the egg as a means of controlling urban seagull populations

Simon Moon, Environmental Control Officer for Taunton Deane Borough Council was present at the meeting and was impressed with the results. Following a meeting with senior management at TDBC and in light of the results the council placed an order for 250 fully assembled eggs in time for the 2007 season.

Simon headed up the project and used the data to complete a comprehensive research paper entitled The Management of Nuisance Urban Gulls by Deployment of Egg Substitutes which formed part of his MSc.

With the support of De Montfort University Simon is continuing his research into the use of imitation eggs as an effective method of control in the form of a PhD. His current research can be viewed by clicking on the links below and future research will be logged on the forum. Simon is also available to answer any technical queries you may have with regards to the use of the imitation eggs.

Further details of the trials that have taken place can be viewed by clicking on the links below.