1 week ago
Grey seal numbers at South Walney Nature Reserve reached an all-time high of 563 in December 2024, continuing a steady growth pattern for the site's population. Pups have been observed at the reserve every year since grey seals initially began breeding there in 2015.
The record December count exceeds previous peak totals of 518 recorded in 2021, 483 in 2019, and 360 in 2018. Conservation leaders attribute the rising population to dedicated management efforts aimed at keeping human disruption low.
"It's the result of concerted and ongoing efforts to keep disturbance of the seal colony to a minimum,"
Churn said.
"We work hard to make the beach safe and secure for the seals, so that they feel able to return here to breed."
Direct public access to the haul-out site at South Walney is prohibited, but three hides situated around the reserve allow visitors to observe the seals from a safe vantage point. Construction is also underway on a new hide at Groyne, which will be equipped with a telescope.
The trust is urging the public to protect the colony by maintaining a distance of at least 100m (328ft) at all times. Churn emphasized that binoculars offer clear views without needing to approach the animals.
"You'll know if you're too close because the seals will start to look at you and move nervously,"
Churn said.
"If this happens, you should immediately start backing away quietly to avoid further disturbance."
Why It Matters
Grey seals are one of the world's rarer seal species, though British waters are home to approximately
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