Beloved Village Geese Evicted, Sparking Outrage in Stillington

On October 25, 2025, the Stillington Parish Council faced backlash from residents after removing two beloved geese from Townend Pond. The white and Chinese geese had lived on the pond for more than two years, but the council deemed them a safety risk due to their proximity to a nearby main road.

Owners Ruth Gaunt and Vicky Inman expressed their distress over the birds' unknown whereabouts, stating that villagers are deeply concerned for the geese's welfare. "Everybody loves the geese, it's just part of the village," said Ms. Gaunt. "Having a pond with wildlife on is gorgeous, they just give so much joy."

Despite a petition signed by 2,000 people calling for the geese to remain, the council proceeded with the removal, citing potential risks of the birds straying onto the road. Ms. Gaunt and Ms. Inman refute the council's reasons, stating the geese had never caused any incidents.

In a last-ditch effort, around 60 residents attempted to acquire shared ownership of the birds to allow them to stay. However, the council issued a letter of abatement, giving the owners 14 days to remove the geese. Following the removal, Ms. Gaunt reported the incident to the North Yorkshire Police, though the force declined to comment.

The loss of the beloved geese has created "tension" in the village, but Ms. Gaunt and Ms. Inman say they have received an outpouring of support from other residents. "It's just shown this massive get-together of support, it's actually made the village much, much stronger," Ms. Gaunt said.