\n National Trust rangers at Orford Ness in Suffolk recorded 430 new arrivals during the latest pupping season, an 88 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is the highest number since the colony was first established.\n<\/p>\n
\n The seals can live between 20 and 35 years. (Image: Hanne Siebers\/ National Trust)\n<\/p>\n
\n Matt Wilson, countryside manager for the National Trust\u2019s Suffolk and Essex Coast portfolio, said: “This year, our peak counts have included 803 adults and 430 pups<\/a>, which is by far the highest numbers we’ve seen since the grey seals\u2019 arrival in 2021.”\n<\/p>\n \n The seals first settled at Orford Ness<\/a> in 2021, drawn to the site during the Covid-19 pandemic when visitor access was greatly reduced.\n<\/p>\n \n The colony has grown steadily since, with just 25 pups recorded in the 2021-22 season, rising to 66 in 2022-23, 133 in 2023-24, and 228 in 2024-25.\n<\/p>\n \n \n Orford Ness, once a military testing site, is now believed to be home to Suffolk\u2019s first breeding colony of grey seals.\n<\/p>\n \n Mr Wilson said: “We’re now in the fifth consecutive year of successful breeding at Orford Ness<\/a>, which means that some of the adults having pups this year would have also been born here in 2021 and 2022.\n<\/p>\n \n “It\u2019s a good sign that the habitats are healthy, with enough fish stocks to keep them sustained throughout the winter, and the shingle ridge providing shelter from storms.\n<\/p>\n \n “Orford Ness is also closed from the end of October until the spring, which coincides with pupping season.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n “That means the likelihood of human disturbance is greatly reduced, which no doubt adds to their overall health and wellbeing and has so far helped them to thrive.”\n<\/p>\n \n \n Disturbance, whether by foot, drone or other human activity, is considered one of the biggest threats to grey seals on UK shores.\n<\/p>\n \n This includes the use of drones or other aerial equipment, which can cause just as much disturbance as approaching on foot.\n<\/p>\n \n During the pupping season, National Trust rangers carried out weekly checks from a safe distance.\n<\/p>\nIt is the highest number since the colony was established. (Image: Hanne Siebers\/ National Trust)\n<\/p>\n
It is home to the remains of a Cold War-era atomic bomb testing site. (Image: Hanne Siebers\/ National Trust)\n<\/p>\n