Prestatyn man launches his new non-lethal seagull control business

Joseph Marshall, 30, has created “Envirohawk”, a North Wales-wide service helping to secure the gulls’ futures without the need to cull them.

It follows the launch of “Helping Hard Corvid Rescue” by Joseph last year; largely a one-man operation where, with the assistance of donations from the public, he will help birds in need.

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He said: “I have a selection of trained birds of prey that I use to temporarily distress gulls and pigeons in unwanted areas.

“My birds can either be walked around on the glove, or flown around, creating a more visible and active deterrent for the gulls.

“I have previously worked on projects with the University of Liverpool that successfully secured them the opportunity to renovate a building that they weren’t previously able to start work on, because of nesting gulls and pigeons.

Joseph with one of his birds and a Helping Hand Corvid Rescue mug. (Image: Joseph Marshall)

“Once the nest is built and established, they are then protected by the Wildlife and Conservation Act.

“So, my hawk, Greta, and I got up on the scaffolding before nesting season and successfully discouraged the gulls from establishing nesting territory allowing the workmen to finally start work after years of failed attempts.”

Joseph’s services are advised to customers as a year-round option, with sessions lasting on average two to three hours a week.

But, he said, most customers are choosing to use his service once every fortnight as the gulls start to    leave the area during a short period of time.

His wife, Jessica, is helping him with Envirohawk, which has proved a great success in its early weeks.

To get in touch with him about Envirohawk, you can email: joseph@envirohawk.org.

Joseph added: “There are not a lot of people who do this. You have two other such businesses, but they’re both based in England, which means one of them has to come over to North Wales to do jobs.

“I saw a gap in the market there. I do falconry, and I love birds, so thought it offered a good alternative to culling seagulls.

“As soon as word got out about it, I’ve had quite a lot of people get in touch. Seagulls are particularly intelligent birds, and quickly will learn that a decoy falcon or bird isn’t real.

“I’m not your general pest controller, going round shooting everything that moves. I care about the bird and the clients.”