Royal Mail warns aggressive seagulls mean some properties won’t get mail

Residents in a Cornish town have been warned that their post may be delayed due to dive-bombing seagulls attacking postal workers. This is the second consecutive summer that the issue has arisen, with the protective parent birds causing havoc for Royal Mail staff.

Seagulls are known for their territorial behaviour, particularly when it comes to safeguarding their offspring. A resident of Liskeard shared a letter she received from Royal Mail with CornwallLive, which highlighted “some difficulties” and potential disruptions to deliveries.

The letter explained that the local seagulls have been “swooping at delivery staff to protect their young”, but assured residents that attempts would be made to deliver post daily. The resident commented that while the posties find it problematic, “everyone else seems to deliver fine – maybe it’s the high vis they don’t like”.

She continued: “The ones on my roof and and the row behind are the main culprits but the whole street won’t be getting regular post. Same with collections – I booked and paid for a parcel to be collected and they wouldn’t come.”

This issue is not new, as postal workers faced similar challenges last summer when nesting gulls on nearby rooftops caused fear among postmen and women.

The most recent letter, sent by the Royal Mail’s USO (Universal Service Obligation) and Customer Experience department, stated: “As you may be aware we are again experiencing some difficulties safely delivering to you/and your neighbours due to seagulls in the area swooping at delivery staff in order to protect their young.”

The letter outlined the current delivery issues, stating: “The purpose of this letter is firstly to advise you of the issues we are experiencing, but also to assure you that we will continue to attempt deliveries every day. If on any day we are unable to deliver to you safely, your mail will be returned to the office below, where it will be held securely until we can attempt delivery again the following day.”

It acknowledged the inconvenience for residents, noting Royal Mail understands it “may not be ideal” and has offered “alternative arrangements” such as holding mail for pickup or nominating an “alternative address” away from the aggressive seagulls.

Furthermore, the letter included an apology: “Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, but whilst Royal Mail is committed to providing a consistent daily delivery to addresses, we do place the highest priority on the safety of our employees.”

The situation, according to the letter, will be “monitored on a daily basis”.

During the seagull nesting season, which typically spans from April to July, the RSPB describes seagulls as “devoted parents”, explaining that dive-bombing is a “defence mechanism” used when they feel their young are threatened, and suggests using an umbrella to deter the birds when entering or leaving a property.