Litter Sculpture Sparks Seagull Debate in Worcester

A striking mobile art installation, crafted entirely from litter, has been erected in Worcester, prompting renewed discussion about the city's growing seagull population. Titled 'The Gulls' by artist Sarah Dukes, the sculpture is currently exhibited at the Lansdowne Road play park. Oliver Carpenter, the project's initiator, emphasized that the abundance of discarded waste is directly responsible for attracting seagulls to the urban environment.

This unique installation is mounted on a mobile, illuminated shipping container, positioning it as one of the few such art works nationwide. The presence of seagulls in Worcester has long been a contentious issue, with some residents advocating for their culling. Records from 2024 indicate that Worcester City Council workers removed at least 125 gull nests, and a hawk was previously employed to manage their numbers. Significant gull populations are notably concentrated around the Blackpole Trading Estate, Shire Business Park, and the city centre.

Dukes stated her intention for 'The Gulls' to encourage embracing all animals and birds, believing the installation's mobility would effectively disseminate the importance of art and creativity. Previously, the artwork was showcased in Worcester's Cathedral Square for a month, where it was well-received by nearby residents. The Worcester Plinth project, which features new art every few months, aims to bring art to accessible locations like housing estates and parks using a truck for transport.