“A magnificent spectacle”
Says: Peter Ansell, chairman of Friends of Horsey Seals in Norfolk "In autumn, the Atlantic Grey Seal population around our shores are gearing up for the new pupping season. Britain has about 40% of the world population around its coast, and the early ones start giving birth in the West Country during September, and they carry on up the west coast, round Scotland, and finish with the colonies here in Norfolk.
The sight of several hundred newly-born pups in their white fluffy coats, surrounded by their watchful mothers, and the fights of the bulls seeking dominance all around is truly spectacular – it’s the highlight of my year.
We look after the seals on the peaceful, sheltered, sandy beach at Horsey. Our seals start giving birth around the beginning of November, and the last are born early January. The bull seals start staking out their territories in October before the cows arrive later. Once the pup is born, the mother will feed it for about three wèeks, during which time its birth weight of 15kg increases to around 40/45kg.
When the pup is weaned, the female leaves it on the beach and returns to the sea. At this time she comes into season and will mate with one or more bulls before finally escaping into the water! The pup is then entirely alone for about another three weeks while it sheds its white fur, and grows its adult coat. It’s essential it is disturbed as little as possible, as the pup is surviving solely on fat stored – it needs to save all its energy for when it takes to the water. Our job during this period is to erect signs and walkways so visitors are able to enjoy this magnificent spectacle of several hundred adults and pups without disturbing them at all. Apart from a car park fee, and perhaps a contribution in one of our buckets, this is probably one of the cheapest days out you can enjoy, although beware, the weather can rapidly change, so always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst!”
WALK IT: Horsey is between Cromer and Great Yarmouth; www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk. Other hot spots are Northumberland’s Farne Islands, Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, and the Orkney Isles.