North East Lincolnshire Council is making a determined effort to shift the common view of pigeons, praising them as ‘brilliant, loyal and deeply misunderstood’ creatures. This effort is part of a larger campaign designed to emphasise the natural splendour of the region’s shorelines and nature reserves. The council is running a social media campaign named ‘Beek Peek’, which encourages residents to showcase their photos of pigeons. The campaign also introduces the new coastal ranger, Josh Forrester, whose position is financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Forrester champions the beauty and intelligence of pigeons, drawing attention to their varied and vibrant plumage.
While other councils, such as the Lincoln City Council, have implemented measures such as nets and spikes to discourage pigeons, North East Lincolnshire Council is adopting a more animal-friendly approach. Forrester proposes that rather than dissuading pigeons, humans should change their behaviour, for example by reducing litter, which serves as a primary food source for these birds.
The move has elicited a range of local reactions. Some, like Henry who operates the kiosk at Cleethorpes Boating Lake, view pigeons as a bother due to the mess they create with their droppings. Visitor Len Coleman, however, sees pigeons as a cheerful addition to natural environments, although he agrees they may not be suited for town centres.
This article has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from the original report by bbc.com.
