The highest number of grey seals recorded to date at South Walney Nature Reserve was 563 in December 2024. <\/p>\n
The previous highest seal counts were 518 in 2021, 483 in 2019 and 360 in 2018, showing an upward trend year on year.<\/p>\n
Grey seals started breeding at South Walney in 2015 and pups have been recorded every year since.<\/p>\n
“It’s the result of concerted and ongoing efforts to keep disturbance of the seal colony to a minimum,” Churn said. <\/p>\n
“We work hard to make the beach safe and secure for the seals, so that they feel able to return here to breed.”<\/p>\n
There is no public access to the haul-out site at South Walney but three hides around the site let people see the seals from a safe distance. <\/p>\n
A new hide at Groyne is currently being built and will include a telescope.<\/p>\n
The trust is asking people to take care not to disturb the seal colony and maintain at least 100m (328ft) distance at all times.<\/p>\n
“You can get good views of the seals with binoculars from a safe distance, so there’s no need to get too close,” Churn said. <\/p>\n
“You’ll know if you’re too close because the seals will start to look at you and move nervously. <\/p>\n
“If this happens, you should immediately start backing away quietly to avoid further disturbance.”<\/p>\n
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