The impacts of wildlife feeding

We asked for residents and stakeholders views on the impact of wildlife feeding in the borough. This would help to inform whether the Council should introduce additional measures to manage wildlife feeding.

Antisocial behaviour caused by wildlife feeding:

• A total of 92 per cent of respondents reported that animal/bird faeces on the highway/pavement caused by wildlife feeding was an issue 
• Almost nine in ten (89 per cent) respondents felt that litter/discarded food on the street was an issue caused by wildlife feeding
• A total of 85 per cent of respondents felt that wildlife feeding caused damage to property and spaces e.g. defacing public spaces with faeces or feathers
• Over two-thirds (69 per cent) felt that wildlife feeding had resulted in financial costs, e.g. cleaning, pest control and repairs
• Slightly less (63 per cent) had encountered aggressive behaviour from those feeding wildlife

Experience of antisocial behaviour

Almost three-quarters of respondents had seen antisocial behaviour caused by a person feeding wildlife and almost half had seen the same person causing antisocial behaviour by feeding wildlife more than once.

Locations of antisocial behaviour

• Locations around underground stations, particularly Gloucester Road (111) and South Kensington (49), were the most commonly mentioned 
• Specific streets were mentioned by 103 respondents
• Park locations were identified by 49 respondents.

Frequency and timing of antisocial behaviour caused by wildlife feeding

• Four in ten (40 per cent) respondents reported antisocial behaviour caused by wildlife feeding occurred daily or more frequently, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) reported this occurred weekly
• Almost half (49 per cent) reported that antisocial behaviour caused by wildlife feeding occurs in the morning, over half (57 per cent) reported it occurs in the afternoon and over a quarter (28 per cent) indicated it occurred in the evening

Introduction of Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

There were high levels of support for the introduction of PSPOs in the three areas put forward.

• Outside South Kensington Station - 86 per cent either strongly support or support the introduction of a PSPO
• Outside Gloucester Road Station - 84 per cent either strongly support or support the introduction of a PSPO
• Outside Holland Park at the junction with Kensington High Street - 83 per cent either strongly support or support the introduction of a PSPO

Respondents were asked what other measures the Council should consider to tackle wildlife feeding. The most common themes of comments were: Enforcement, issuing fines or arresting offenders, education or awareness raising and signage.

The results of the consultation have indicated there is support for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to wildlife feeding in specific locations in the borough. This has been used to develop a draft PSPO which will be subject to consultation prior to a decision being made on its introduction.