Seal pups have been born at a South Cumbrian nature reserve.
It is the 10th year running pups have been spotted at South Walney Nature Reserve, near Barrow.
The first two pups of the season were spotted in the last few days at Cumbria’s only breeding grey seal colony.
Beth Churn, marine conservation officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “This is wonderful news and a real landmark for us. The growth of the grey seal colony at South Walney is a great conservation success story.
“The colony has grown from single figures in the 1980s and 90s to the highest number recorded so far – 518 – in 2021!”
The seals started breeding at South Walney in 2015 and pups have been recorded every year since.
This success story is the result of concerted and ongoing efforts to minimise disturbance of the seal colony.
The wildlife charity works hard to make the site secure for the seals, so that they felt able to return here to breed, it said. This included keeping disturbance to a minimum.
People, dogs and boat users have all taken their toll in recent years, Cumbria Wildlife Trust said, and it is reminding people how to watch wildlife safely, from an appropriate distance.
Beth said: “At this time of the year the colony is at its most vulnerable to disturbance. It’s really important that we keep away from the seals to give the pups the best chance of survival.
“The Government code of conduct advises that all water vessels, including kayaks, stay a minimum of 100m away from seal haul out sites and there is no public access to the spit where they are.
“We welcome the news that one ferry operator has once again suspended seal tours during the pupping season – October to early November – and another ferry company has moved elsewhere. We thank them for their responsible decisions. This will certainly help the seal colony at this critical time of the year.”
Visitors to South Walney can watch the seals in the sea at high tide from a safe distance in Groyne Hide, although binoculars or a viewing scope are recommended. There is no access to the beach where the seals haul out.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust has issued an appeal to all sea users, including kayakers, anglers, jet skiers and boats, to maintain at least 100m distance from the seal colony at all times.
It said: “Generally, you’ll know if you’re too close because the seals will start to look at you and move nervously. If this happens, you should immediately start backing away quietly to avoid further disturbance.”
