Trash-Turned-Art Sparks Seagull Showdown in Worcester's City Center

A creative new art installation in Worcester is sparking conversations about the city's seagull population. The artwork, called 'The Gulls,' was made by artist Sarah Dukes and is currently on display at the play park on Lansdowne Road. What makes this sculpture unique is that it is built entirely from litter and rubbish collected from the city. At night, the seagull sculpture lights up using solar panels, making it a bright and eye-catching sight. The sculpture sits on top of a painted shipping container, which acts as a mobile art platform called the Worcester Plinth.

Oliver Carpenter, who leads the project, says that the reason there are so many seagulls in Worcester is because of the rubbish people leave behind. He believes that if people were more careful with their trash, there would not be as many gulls in the city centre. The presence of seagulls has been a topic of debate in Worcester for years. Some residents think the birds are a nuisance and have even called for them to be removed. In 2024, the city council took away at least 125 gull nests, and at one point, a hawk was used to try to reduce the number of gulls. The largest groups of gulls are found near business parks and in the city centre.

Carpenter says that people are divided about whether they like the gulls or not. He asks if gulls should be allowed to live in Worcester or if they should only be near the coast. He points out that the gulls are here because of the way people treat their environment. The art installation also brings up other ideas, such as why animals move from one place to another and whether they are welcome or not. Sarah Dukes, the artist, hopes her work will encourage people to appreciate all animals and birds. She also wants the mobile art project to help spread the importance of creativity and art to more people.

The Worcester Plinth is the only mobile art platform in the county and can be moved to different locations, such as parks and housing estates. Residents who live near the park say they enjoy having the new artwork in their neighborhood. Mel and Ian Mackey, who live nearby, said the sculpture was a pleasant surprise and a nice addition to the park. The art on the plinth changes every few months, so there is always something new for people to see. Carpenter says they can take the art to many different places as long as they can get there with their truck.