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INFORMATION – 04.08.26

Understanding Seagulls and their Fledglings:

Every summer, coastline RSPCA branches receive a surge of calls from concerned members of the public about young gulls found on the ground. We completely understand why people worry, gull fledglings can look vulnerable, and their parents are often noisy, protective, and not always visible. However, in most cases, these young birds are behaving exactly as nature intended.

Gull Fledglings: What’s Normal?

Gull chicks leave the nest before they can fly. This is a natural stage in their development. They spend time on the ground building strength, learning to flap, hop, and eventually take off. Most gull fledglings begin flying at around 6–8 weeks old, but until then, it’s perfectly normal to see them wandering about.

Although it may not feel ideal to leave a fledgling where it is, there is usually no action needed unless the bird is injured or in immediate danger. Healthy fledglings are best left alone — their parents will continue to feed them and keep watch, even if you can’t always see them nearby.

What You Can Do

If you come across a gull fledgling:

• Observe from a distance. The parents are likely close by and will continue caring for the chick.
• Provide a shallow dish of water if the weather is hot or the bird appears thirsty. You’ve done the right thing if you’ve already done this.
• Keep pets and children away to reduce stress and prevent accidental harm.

When Intervention Is Needed

There are only two situations where human intervention is appropriate:

1. The fledgling is in immediate danger

For example:

• In the middle of a busy road
• Being attacked by other animals
• Trapped somewhere unsafe

In these cases, the bird can be moved a short distance to a safer nearby spot — ideally somewhere open where the parents can still find it. However, please be cautious: adult gulls are extremely protective and may swoop or fly at you if they feel their chick is threatened.

2. The bird is injured

If the fledgling is visibly injured, unable to stand, bleeding, or has been attacked, it can be taken to a local vet for assessment. Vets are legally required to treat wildlife free of charge.

Again, please be aware that the parents may try to defend their chick, so approach carefully and only if absolutely necessary.

Why Local RSPCA Branches cannot collect Healthy Gulls

As a small local charity, we simply do not have the resources, equipment, or specialist facilities required to collect or rehabilitate gulls. Healthy fledglings do not need rescuing, and removing them from their parents can cause more harm than good.

Our role is to offer guidance and in most cases, the best and kindest action is to leave the fledgling where it is, unless it is injured or in genuine danger.

A Final Reassurance

If you’ve already provided water and are keeping an eye on the situation, you’ve done exactly the right thing. Gull parents are attentive and will continue to feed and protect their young until they are ready to fly.

Thank you for caring — your concern helps ensure these birds get the best chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

Found a Baby Gull? What to Do - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

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NEWS – 29.06.26

Our new CIO Status
We are delighted to share that our Branch has formally transitioned to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) effective from 29th June 2026. This change strengthens our governance, provides greater long‑term security and ensures we can continue delivering high‑quality animal welfare services across our local area. Our new charity number is 1215078. All existing donations, memberships, and Gift Aid arrangements remain fully protected and automatically transfer to the new CIO.

What is a CIO?

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is a modern legal structure designed specifically for charities. Our Branch has always been a registered charity, but until now we operated under an unincorporated structure. Becoming a CIO provides a clearer legal identity and offers stronger protection for the charity and its trustees.

As part of this transition, we now have a new charity number: 1215078 and our official name is: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bridlington, Driffield & District Branch CIO although we will still use the shortened name RSPCA Bridlington, Driffield & District Branch.

Why have we changed our legal structure?

Although we are an independent local charity, we are part of the wider RSPCA family, with RSPCA (England & Wales) acting as our parent charity. The National Society has encouraged Branches to adopt CIO status because it offers:

• Greater legal security for the charity and its trustees
• More flexibility in decision‑making
• Improved stability for long‑term planning
• A stronger foundation for future growth and governance
• This change ensures we can continue to operate confidently and sustainably for years to come.

What does this mean for our services and the animals we help?

In practical terms, very little will change day‑to‑day. We will continue to:

• Rehome and rehabilitate animals
• Provide financial aid and welfare support
• Deliver education and outreach programmes
• Operate within our existing local area

Information for Gift Aiders, Donors and Members

Your support continues exactly as before.

Anything you have donated under our previous charity number is automatically transferred to the new CIO as part of the legal process. Your Gift Aid declarations, membership status, and regular donations remain valid and uninterrupted.

If you have pledged a gift in your will: We kindly recommend updating your documentation to include our new charity number 1215078. This ensures your wishes are honoured exactly as intended.

Thank You

This transition marks an important milestone for our Branch. We are grateful to our supporters, volunteers, members, and partners for standing with us as we continue our mission to protect and improve the lives of animals in our community.