A long-standing presence of peacocks in the village of Mulbarton, Norfolk, has led to a formal complaint lodged with the local council, citing noise disturbances. The birds, which have roamed the village for at least 60 years, are known to frequent residents' gardens and public spaces.
South Norfolk Council confirmed it is investigating the matter. The complaint concerns the noise generated by the birds, which could result in an abatement notice requiring their owner, retired county court Recorder Alan Steynor, to take action. Mr. Steynor, 80, who resides at Mulbarton Hall, has owned the peacocks for two decades, having taken them on from a friend who moved away.
Some villagers have expressed frustration with the approximately 20-strong flock. "They are really, really annoying," said one resident living near Mulbarton Hall. "They come into my garden and damage my greenhouse. I know a lot of people that live in this row of houses hate them." Another resident, Laura Sinclair, noted, "They do wake you up early, especially in mating season, which is quite long. They are a pain to be honest. The noise is quite a nuisance." The peacocks' noise can begin as early as 3 a.m., escalating during the mating season from April to September when males emit loud calls. The village primary school has implemented a 'peacock policy' advising pupils to avoid feeding the birds and to move away if they enter the playground or school buildings.
However, many residents support the birds' presence. "We love them. They're magnificent creatures," said a staff member at the village primary school. Rosemary Hanson, who lives alone, stated that while the birds have become noisier, she does not consider them a problem and enjoys their presence in her garden.
Some locals speculate that increased dissatisfaction may stem from recent village development, which has brought new residents unaccustomed to the sounds of the countryside. "They [the birds] were here first," one resident commented. "People who have lived here for five minutes should have thought about whether it was the right place for them before moving in."
Under UK law, peacocks are not classified as wild birds and are the responsibility of their owner. If disturbances persist and more complaints are received, South Norfolk District Council may escalate its investigation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If the noise is found to significantly affect residents' lives, such as preventing sleep, the birds could be declared a statutory nuisance. Mr. Steynor expressed hope for continued public tolerance, stating, "I'm sorry that people might be upset but I hope British tolerance will continue to apply." A council spokesperson acknowledged that the birds have been a part of Mulbarton for years, describing it as "just one of those things about living in the countryside."