More seals expected at Orford Ness as count up begins

Orford Ness Nature Reserve, in east Suffolk, is expecting more grey seals ahead of this year’s winter pupping season.

The first adult seals arrived at the reserve in November 2021, making this the fifth consecutive year that rangers have seen pups being born.

The site said that the number of adults and new-borns has increased each year, partly because of the remote location of Orford Ness.

The nature reserve will close on Sunday, October 26, and there will be no public access to Orford Ness, including the Crown Estate land below Mean High Water Springs.

READ MORE: Orford Ness new home to hundreds of grey seals and pups

The colony returns to Orford Ness(Image: Charlotte Bond)

Orford Ness said: “Our ranger team will be carrying out regular patrols and population counts to check the size and health of the colony.

“We don’t allow anyone to get close to the colony, for both the animals’ safety and ours, as wildlife disturbance remains the biggest threat to the species on UK shores.

“Instead, we’ll be sharing photos and videos, all taken from a safe distance, so that you can stay updated from the comfort of your own home.”