Seagulls, especially the larger, black backed gull, are scavengers. In their own environment they serve a very useful purpose, a kind of nature's refuse disposal team. But sadly, their environment and natural food supply has now changed. Since the advent of the EEC, too much inshore commercial fishing, especially by Belgium beam trawlers, has depleted fish stocks and the foreshore has little resemblance to that of yesteryear, as such gulls have needed to adjust. Now, rather like foxes with the slaughter of rabbits through mxymatosis, they have spread their wings to rubbish tips and where people eat and throw their surplus food away (litter) rather than placing unwanted tucker in the proper bins.

Even now that rabbits are returning and in good numbers, foxes find raiding dustbins to be easier pickings and are unlikely to return to their old ways. Likewise gulls have found it far simpler to tear open a plastic rubbish bag, and the contents are a positive feast. Many gulls now have no idea what the sea looks like, their habitat has become firmly entrenched in towns, cities and the countryside, especially where the tucker is varied and plentiful.