Members of St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge, Surrey, have expressed outrage following the secret culling of several resident Canada geese. The incident, which occurred in the early morning of July 16, involved licensed marksmen shooting eight birds, including goslings, after complaints that the geese were defiling the club’s courts.
St George’s Hill, a prestigious private tennis club known for its 34 courts—13 of which are grass—and its celebrity and billionaire membership, is located within a gated estate often compared to the UK’s Beverly Hills. The club has nearly 3,700 members and charges annual fees of £2,664, with a £2,000 entrance fee for new members. The grounds, open since 1913 and inaugurated by Prince Alexander of Teck and Princess Alice, have long been home to the resident Canada geese, which have become a familiar feature at the club, even appearing on its social media channels.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots around 5:25 a.m., leading to the discovery that eight geese had been killed. Initial club communications reportedly claimed the birds had been relocated to the Claremont Landscape Garden lakes, approximately two miles away, or had simply “flown off,” but these statements have since been contested by members and residents.
The club’s leadership acknowledged the culling but said it was a last resort after months of attempts to manage the growing goose population through non-lethal measures and enhanced cleaning. Canada geese produce significant droppings, estimated at around 0.9 kilograms per adult bird daily, which contributed to concerns about the condition of the courts. Miles Hill, the club’s chief executive, stated that the decision was not taken lightly and that advance notice of the cull was restricted to ensure safety and effective implementation. Surrey Police were notified in advance.
Canada geese are an introduced species in the UK, first brought to St James’s Park in London in 1664. Their population has more than doubled since 1984, reaching approximately 160,000 nationwide, according to the British Trust for Ornithology.
Despite the practical concerns cited by club management, some members and local residents objected to the manner in which the cull was carried out. Several described the birds as a beloved part of the club environment, noting that while the geese occasionally caused inconveniences on the courts, they were generally tolerated and appreciated. Critics condemned the lack of member consultation and expressed unease about firearms being used discreetly within the private estate. Some social media commentary described the actions as harsh and suggested local wildlife organizations should have been given the opportunity to intervene.
St George’s Hill has a notable sporting legacy, including previous use by tennis player Emma Raducanu, who practiced there before her US Open win. The club remains a prominent venue for international tennis events, but the recent controversy has highlighted tensions between wildlife management and community expectations in private recreational spaces.