The Town That Trained Seagulls to Queue

7 July 2025

Paul Francis

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

In the sleepy seaside town of Cleaves-on-Sea, population just under 9,000, an unexpected local initiative has caught national attention. This isn't about green energy, improved public transport or a cultural renaissance. It's about seagulls. Specifically, it's about teaching them to queue.

Yes, queue.

For the past five years, residents of Cleaves-on-Sea have been engaged in an unusual project: encouraging the local seagull population to adopt British queuing etiquette. It began as a joke, then became a community experiment, and now, locals swear by its success.

A Bird-Brained Idea?

The initiative started with Jim Roscoe, a retired postman and lifelong resident. Known affectionately as “Postie Jim,” he spent most of his days feeding birds from the same bench near the promenade.

“I was sick of them diving at tourists,” Jim says. “They’d nick chips, ice cream, even once a baby’s dummy. It wasn’t right.”

Seagull with white and gray plumage against a clear blue sky, looking calmly to the side.

So Jim began a simple experiment. He fed only those gulls who remained at a respectful distance. He even placed markers—sticks at first, then painted lines—to show where the birds should stand.

“It was daft at first,” he admits. “But over time, I noticed they started getting the message. The ones who waited got fed. The greedy ones missed out.”

Word spread. Locals began helping. Yellow lines appeared across the promenade. Signs read, “Queue Here for Chips – Gulls Welcome.” Children took turns policing the queue with toy whistles. One local café even began offering “queue treats” to well-behaved birds.

Seagull Psychology?

While some might dismiss it as folklore, Dr. Sarah Densmore, an animal behaviourist from the University of Exeter, says there may be some truth to it.

“Gulls are highly intelligent and opportunistic. They’re capable of pattern recognition and basic learning,” she explains. “If a community consistently rewards certain behaviours, even wild animals may adapt. Especially ones as socially driven as gulls.”

Dr. Densmore visited Cleaves-on-Sea last summer and confirmed that gulls were, unusually, standing in a loose but visible line near key food spots.

“There was order. I won’t call it a queue in the British sense, but something resembling it. In gull terms, that's remarkable.”

Tourists and Tradition

Local businesses have embraced the fame. The Gull & Chips café now sells commemorative mugs with a queue of cartoon birds, and a new mural was unveiled in April showing seagulls politely queuing for ice cream. Tourists flock to see the spectacle, hoping to witness this bizarre display of coastal civility.

“It’s bonkers, but it works,” says Sharon Whitby, who runs the town’s small tourism board. “We’re famous for it now. Better this than a pier ghost story.”

There are, of course, doubters. Some say the gulls are just waiting due to food scarcity, or that the perceived queuing is more coincidence than learning. But for Cleaves-on-Sea, the truth doesn’t matter so much as the charm of the story.

“If you’ve lived here long enough, you see them change,” says Jim, tossing a chip to a waiting bird. “They’re like us. They just needed a bit of encouragement to mind their manners.”

And in a country known for orderly queues, perhaps it’s only fitting that even the wildlife learns to fall in line.

Current Most Read

Britain by the Numbers: The Weird and Wonderful Stats That Make the UK Unique

Tate McRae: From YouTube Videos to Global Arenas

Unveiling the Traditions and Origins of Boxing Day - A Post-Christmas Celebration

Ellie Waiton
Dec 19, 2023
2 min read

White text saying BOXING DAY on a wooden table with some Christmas presents in the corner

Boxing Day is a celebrated holiday originating in Great Britain, observed not only there but also in several Commonwealth nations. Falling on December 26th, this day is marked by unique traditions and activities that have evolved over time.

When is Boxing Day?

Traditionally, Boxing Day occurs on December 26th, but if this date falls on a weekend, the associated bank holiday or public holiday is observed on December 28th to ensure it aligns with a weekday.

Where Did Boxing Day originate from?

The origins of Boxing Day trace back to the Victorian era. During Queen Victoria's reign, it became a day of philanthropy and appreciation. Wealthy individuals would pack items they no longer needed into boxes, generously gifting them to the less fortunate. Servants were granted a well-deserved day off and were often presented with a special box of treats as a token of gratitude for their hard work.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

One theory suggests that the name comes from the practice of boxing up gifts for easier transportation. Another theory revolves around opening alms boxes in churches during the holiday season to collect money for the impoverished.

Left over Christmas Food on a paper plate

How do people celebrate Boxing Day?

In England, Boxing Day is marked by a tapestry of traditions and activities that foster a festive spirit:

Family Gatherings: Families come together to share meals and enjoy each other's company, continuing the holiday cheer.

Sports and Outdoor Activities: Many embrace the outdoors with long walks, hikes, and traditional sports like football and horse racing.

Charity Events: Reflecting its historical roots, some individuals and communities engage in charitable activities, such as volunteering or organising fundraising events.

Shopping Traditions: Boxing Day has transformed into a shopping holiday, featuring significant discounts. Retailers offer sales, and bargain hunters seize the opportunity to score discounted goods.

Entertainment: Emphasising relaxation, people indulge in various forms of entertainment, from watching movies to playing games.

Leftover Feasts: The day continues the joy of Christmas feasts, with families savouring delicious leftovers and sharing culinary delights.

Boxing Day, with its rich history and diverse celebrations, has evolved into a day that blends generosity, outdoor activities, and modern shopping traditions. It stands as a unique post-Christmas celebration that brings people together in the spirit of giving and merriment.