Donna Nook - Grey Seals

A couple of weeks ago the University of Cumbria Wildlife photography society took  a trip to see the grey seal colony at Donna Nook. It is fairly safe to say that the entire group enjoyed being in such close proximity to what some people may forget is actually "wildlife". The trip was planned around the birthing season and there were many new born pups frolicking with their mothers.

Unfortunately a week after the visit the colony was devastated by a high tide. The separation of the mothers and their pups proved catastrophic as up to 75 of the pups (BBC, 2011) were lost. The pups were unable to suckle on their mothers milk after the separation eventually leading to their demise.

Although the older grey seals could swim the young pups had not yet mastered this ability, however this may not have been the only reason for this unfortunate natural tragedy. Being a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts to visit, Lincolnshire wildlife society has already had to prevent humans encroaching on the seals and disturbing their feeding and mating at Donna Nook. As a result of this human interference a fence was placed which stops humans getting too close to the seals. This fence may well have contributed to the separation of mother and pup as it prevented the seals escaping up to the safety of the dunes.

Human health and safety has evolved after incidents similar to this. Perhaps an inquiry and hindsight will prevent “natural” accidents such as these. The irony involved is clear if the fence was a part of the causation; the very thing in place to save the seals leading to their demise. Nevertheless, as a result of this high tide the colony has suffered a tragic loss and will hopefully be able to bounce back soon.

Best wishes to the colony and best of luck to the Lincolnshire wildlife trust.