Record-breaking number of seals born at Donna Nook
2,214 PUPS WELCOMED INTO THE WORLD
A RECORD-breaking number of seals have been born at Donna Nook.
A total of 2,214 seals have been welcomed into the world during the latest season.
This is 28 more than in 2019/2020 and 148 more than in 2018/2019.
Sadly, the seal viewing area has been closed for much of the season due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The Donna Nook Warden said: “Our wardens were busy over the Christmas and the New Year period monitoring the seals every day and we can report that the last pup was born on December 22, bringing this year’s total to 2,214.
“Thank you all for your patience and understanding over the past few months. We look forward to welcoming you back for seal season 2021.”
In recent days, wardens have been encouraging people against travelling to reserves outside of their local area and to “continue to enjoy wildlife close to home”.
A Donna Nook spokesperson said: “Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and the guidance from Government. “Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors to our nature reserves. We also have to make sure the wildlife on our reserves is not adversely impacted.”
The latest rules:
Toilets are closed with the exception of those at Whisby Nature Park (managed by the Natural World Centre) and Far Ings (Ness End car park only).
■ Dogs are not allowed on the majority of reserves. Where they are permitted please keep dogs on a short lead. There may be grazing animals and lambs present.
■ Please do not use bird hides.
■ Where car park machines are provided, generally there is no option for card payments. Please have cash to hand and sanitise your hands after use.
■ Some paths may be closed due to the presence of ground-nesting birds or other vulnerable wildlife.
■ All litter should be taken home including tissues, antiseptic wipes and nappies.
■ Please stay on the way-marked paths. There may be wildflowers growing and birds nesting adjacent to paths.
■ Be kind and respectful of staff and visitors and maintain social distancing.
Donna Nook covers more than 10km of coastline between Grainthorpe Haven, Saltfleet, and the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve.
It is popular with people from Grimsby and Cleethorpes who visit Donna Nook, especially in November and December when grey seals go to the Donna Nook coastline to give birth to their pups, for an enjoyable day out.
The Donna Nook spokesperson added: “Visitors should be aware that the Ministry of Defence still maintains part of the area as a bombing target range and under no circumstances should anyone enter the bombing area when red flags are flying. However, most of the dune area is accessible at all times.”