“DON’T FEED OUR WILDLIFE?” Havering’s Proposed PSPO Sparks Fury as Residents Question What It Could Mean for the Borough

1st September 20261st September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Deer Aid, Havering, PSPO, Wildlife min read

Havering Council has launched a consultation on a proposed borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), but concerns are already mounting over what some of the proposed restrictions could mean for residents, wildlife groups and those who use Havering’s public spaces.

The proposed PSPO could introduce restrictions covering a wide range of behaviours, from irresponsible dog ownership and aggressive begging to anti-social use of bikes and e-scooters, public drinking, amplified street entertainment and feeding wildlife.

And it is the proposal concerning wildlife that is already causing particular concern.

The Council is consulting on a restriction which would prevent people from feeding wildlife or leaving food in public places where it could cause nuisance, environmental damage, public health concerns or attract vermin.

For many residents, however, feeding wildlife is not about creating a nuisance.

It is about helping animals survive.

This summer has seen extreme weather conditions put enormous pressure on Havering’s wildlife, with dry grassland and a lack of water creating difficult conditions for animals across the borough.

Groups such as Harold Hill Deer Aid have spent months supporting local deer, including providing food and water during some of the harshest conditions.

Their supporters argue that without the intervention of volunteers and animal lovers, wildlife could have faced even greater difficulties during the extreme weather.

And now residents are asking a simple question:

What would the proposed PSPO mean for them?

Would people who responsibly provide food or water to struggling wildlife potentially find themselves in breach of a new borough-wide order?

The Council has not made a final decision and the consultation is specifically intended to gather views before any PSPO is introduced.

But that has not stopped concerns spreading.

Havering is a borough where residents have long campaigned to protect its green spaces and wildlife.

At a time when large areas of land are facing pressure from housing proposals and major developments, including proposals for a major data centre, campaigners argue that wildlife is already facing an uncertain future.

For them, the prospect of further restrictions on how residents can help animals has understandably raised eyebrows.

And wildlife is not the only issue attracting attention.

The proposed PSPO also includes restrictions concerning amplified street entertainment, busking and public speaking where it causes nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress.

Some residents are asking whether such powers could affect public demonstrations, campaigning or protest activity.

It is important to stress that the proposal does not state that peaceful protest or public speaking would automatically be banned.

The consultation wording relates to amplified sound and behaviour causing specified forms of nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress.

However, residents are entitled to question how any new powers would ultimately be interpreted and enforced if an order were introduced.

That is why this consultation matters.

A PSPO can give councils additional powers to address anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

But with those powers comes a responsibility to ensure that legitimate activities, responsible community action and ordinary residents are not unnecessarily caught up in restrictions designed to tackle genuine anti-social behaviour.

The proposed order covers a remarkably wide range of behaviour.

Alcohol consumption.

Dog fouling.

Aggressive or persistent begging.

Anti-social use of bicycles and e-scooters.

Groups causing nuisance or criminal behaviour.

Certain face coverings when used to hide identity while causing or intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Public urination and defecation.

Amplified entertainment and public speaking.

Projectile devices.

And feeding wildlife.

The Council says the aim is to make public spaces safer, cleaner and more welcoming.

But residents now have the opportunity to decide whether they believe a borough-wide order is the right way to achieve that.

For those who have spent their time caring for Havering’s wildlife, the question is particularly pressing.

They do not believe helping a thirsty or hungry animal should automatically be viewed through the same lens as anti-social behaviour.

And they will want reassurance that responsible wildlife care will not be unintentionally criminalised.

The same applies to residents who regularly campaign on local issues.

They will want reassurance that legitimate democratic expression and peaceful community activity will remain protected.

No final decision has been made.

The Council is asking residents, businesses, visitors, community groups and other stakeholders to have their say.

And there is likely to be a considerable debate before this consultation reaches its conclusion.

Because for many people, this is about more than a new set of rules.

It is about what kind of borough Havering wants to be.

A borough that tackles genuine anti-social behaviour — yes.

A borough that protects residents and keeps public spaces safe — absolutely.

But residents will also be asking whether those objectives can be achieved without restricting the very community spirit that makes Havering what it is.

And when it comes to our wildlife, many will be asking:

If an animal is hungry, thirsty and struggling, should helping it really become a matter for a PSPO?

The consultation is now open, and Havering residents have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

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