Two grey seal pups have been spotted at South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow, Cumbria, marking the 12th year running pups have been recorded at the site by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
Breeding Colony Growth at South Walney Nature Reserve
Grey seals first started breeding at South Walney Nature Reserve in 2015, and pups have been recorded every year since. According to Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the reserve serves as the county’s only breeding grey seal colony and functions as a major haul-out site where seals come ashore to rest. Marine conservation officer Beth Churn noted that the organization regularly reaches double figures in pup counts, describing an improving trend year on year.
Seal pups have been recorded at a nature reserve for the 12th year running. 💚Cumbria Wildlife Trust confirmed two pups had been spotted at South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow, Cumbria.The reserve is home to the county's only breeding grey seal colony and major haul-out…
The highest number of grey seals recorded to date at the reserve was 563 in December 2024. That figure follows an upward trend from previous peak counts, which included 518 seals in 2021, 483 in 2019, and 360 in 2018. Last year saw a record number of 14 seal pups counted at the nature reserve.
Recent Pups and Survival Challenges
The latest arrivals were confirmed during a routine seal count as the first two healthy pups spotted at the nature reserve for the current season. Two were seen earlier in the summer but did not survive, the trust said.
This is always an exciting time of year for us, and we hope that there’ll be many more to come. We regularly reach double figures of pups, a trend that’s been improving each year, so let’s hope this season is a successful one for the colony.
Beth Churn, marine conservation officer
According to Churn, the ongoing prosperity of the group stems from continuous steps taken to safeguard the wildlife. It’s the result of concerted and ongoing efforts to keep disturbance of the seal colony to a minimum,
she said, adding that staff work hard to make the beach safe and secure for the seals, so that they feel able to return here to breed.
Visitor Guidelines and Protection Measures
There is no public access to the haul-out site at South Walney. Instead, visitors can view the colony from a safe distance using three hides situated around the site. Additionally, a new hide at Groyne is currently being built and will include a telescope.
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust urges the public to avoid causing any disruption to the marine mammals and to stay at least 100m (328ft) away on all occasions. Churn explained that binoculars provide adequate views without requiring visitors to approach the colony too closely.
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.
Beth Churn, marine conservation officer