First pup born at England's largest grey seal colony on Blakeney Point

Norfolk’s annual winter wildlife  spectacle is underway with the birth of the first grey seal  pup  at the National Trust’s Blakeney Point on the Norfolk Coast, home to England’s largest colony of grey seals

The first pup to be spotted was born  two weeks earlier than last season   with 4,500 seal pups expected to be born this year. Global numbers are estimated to be around 400,000 with British and Irish waters supporting about 35% of the grey seal population.

Grey seal bulls and cows at waters edge, Blakeney Point, Norfolk — Image credit: Hanne Siebers National Trust Images

The very first seal pup was born at the point in 1988.  Since then, the site has grown to become England’s largest grey seal colony, with seal pup numbers increasing from just 25 pups in 2001 to  3,012 in 2019. This success is believed to be due to low levels of disturbance and mortality during the first few key weeks of life and a lack of natural predators.

Duncan Halpin, Ranger for the National Trust on the North Norfolk Coast said: “The colony at Blakeney has now become so large that it is almost impossible to record the number
of pups precisely.

Grey seal cow swimming at Blakeney Point, Norfolk — Image credit: Hanne Siebers National Trust Images

“Until  a few years ago, the pups were counted individually by rangers and volunteers walking carefully through the colony, but from  2019, numbers of new-borns and weaned pups
– which will have moulted their white fur but will be much smaller than the adults – were  recorded in just one specific area  to give an indication of the overall size of the colony.   The first pup of the season is always a special moment in our year.”

Female grey seals typically live to around 35 years old. They have their first pup at about 3 -5 years old. Once they’ve had their first pups, they return to the same place each year to give birth.

First grey seal pup of the season with cow, Blakeney Point — Image credit: Hanne Siebers National Trust Images

Duncan continues: “Our job over the coming weeks is to ensure that the seals remain undisturbed so the females can give birth and the pups can feed in peace to maximise the chances of survival.

“Seals are wild animals and can be dangerous, particularly if they feel threatened. We therefore ask visitors to keep their distance. Bring binoculars to help you see the seals better.”

Grey seal bull at Blakeney Point, Norfolk — Image credit: Hanne Siebers National Trust Images

For more information on how to see the seal pups on Blakeney Point check out  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blakeney  

Main image credit: Hanne Siebers National Trust Images

The Unique Life of a Ranger: Seasons of Change at Blakeney Point

In over 120 years, only a select few rangers have devoted their heart and soul to the wildlife of Norfolk’s Blakeney Point. Watching and learning from his predecessors, Ajay faced head-on the challenges of the elements, predators and an ever-interested public. From the excitement of monitoring the growing grey seal population, to the struggles of trying to safeguard nesting birds from a plethora of threats, in The Unique Life of a Ranger, Ajay shares the many emotions of life on the edge of land and sea with honesty and affection.

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