Havering Wildlife Row: Council Clarifies What Proposed PSPO Could Mean for Feeding Wildlife.

3rd September 20263rd September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Havering, Havering Council, PSPO, Wildlife min read

Following the Havering Daily’s article on Havering’s proposed borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), residents who are passionate about protecting the borough’s wildlife have been asking for greater clarity over what the proposed restrictions on feeding wildlife would actually mean. Now Havering Council has responded, saying the intention is not to prevent people supporting wildlife in parks and green spaces.

The proposed PSPO has sparked considerable discussion across Havering, particularly around one of the proposed restrictions covering the feeding of wildlife in public spaces.
For many residents, the wording immediately raised concerns.
Havering is a borough with a huge amount of green space and a community that takes enormous pride in its wildlife.
From deer in Harold Hill and Havering-atte-Bower to birds, hedgehogs, squirrels and other animals across the borough, many residents regularly support and care about the wildlife on their doorstep.
Charities and volunteers have also worked tirelessly to support animals during difficult weather conditions, including periods of extreme heat and drought.
So when residents read that the proposed PSPO could restrict the feeding of wildlife, many were left asking a simple question:
Would this mean people could be stopped from feeding wildlife in Havering’s parks and green spaces?
Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, has now sought to clarify the Council’s position.
He told the Havering Daily:
“I wanted to address some concerns that were addressed in the article in The Havering Daily, dated Tuesday 1 September, around claims that under a proposed Borough-wide PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order), restrictions on feeding wildlife in public spaces would be detrimental to all wildlife everywhere.”
Councillor Brown explained that one example of the restriction would be tackling the feeding of pigeons in town centres, where the Council says this can attract rats and other vermin.
“If the Borough-wide PSPO is put in place, an example of the restrictions on feeding wildlife in public spaces would be to stop the feeding of pigeons in the town centres, which in turn attracts vermin such as rats.”
He added:
“Rats and other vermin are one of the big issues that are reported to us by residents and businesses, as a result of people feeding pigeons.”
The Council says feeding pigeons in town centres can create problems including nuisance, environmental damage and public health concerns, as well as generating costs for taxpayers when areas have to be cleaned.
But perhaps the most important clarification for Havering’s wildlife supporters comes next.
Councillor Brown said:
“The restriction does not include feeding wildlife in parks and green spaces, which is the natural habitat of those animals and wildlife.”
That statement will be welcomed by many residents who had feared that the proposed PSPO could prevent them from supporting wildlife in the borough’s green spaces.
Councillor Brown also acknowledged the importance of Havering’s wildlife.
“We are proud to have a unique and diverse wildlife profile in Havering and welcome people in supporting wildlife to thrive, whilst protecting other parts of the Borough from harmful and damaging practices, such as commercial and large-scale feeding in inappropriate areas.”
However, residents have continued to call for the wording of the proposed PSPO to be clear, precise and properly understood before any final decision is made.
For those who care deeply about Havering’s wildlife, the distinction between feeding pigeons in a busy town centre and providing appropriate support to wildlife in a park or green space is hugely important.
The Council’s latest response appears to provide reassurance that feeding wildlife in parks and green spaces is not what the proposed restriction is intended to target.
But with a borough-wide order potentially covering public spaces across Havering, residents are likely to want the final wording to leave no room for confusion.
The debate has also extended beyond wildlife.
The proposed PSPO includes restrictions relating to amplified street entertainment, busking and public speaking.
Councillor Brown stressed that the intention is not to stop ordinary buskers or entertainers who are not causing problems.
“There are buskers and others who are in and around the town centre who provide entertainment for shoppers and do not cause any issues.”
He added:
“We are not restricting them but do ask that they think about where they do this, as to not cause a nuisance and as long as they are not doing this, that is fine.”
The Council says the proposed PSPO is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and make public spaces safer and more welcoming.
But ultimately, residents have a say.
The consultation remains open until 23 October, giving residents, businesses, community groups and wildlife supporters the opportunity to tell Havering Council exactly what they think.
For those who were concerned that the proposed restrictions could prevent people from caring for Havering’s wildlife, the Council’s latest clarification will be important.
But many residents will still be watching closely to see exactly how the final wording is written.
Havering has a proud wildlife community. Residents want action against genuine anti-social behaviour, littering, vermin and irresponsible practices — but they also want to be absolutely certain that measures introduced to tackle those problems do not unintentionally affect the people who spend their time protecting and supporting the borough’s wildlife.
The consultation closes on 23 October and residents are being encouraged to have their say:https://consultation.havering.gov.uk/neighbourhoods/proposed-borough-wide-pspo/