We're pleased to announce we've recorded two grey seal pups at South Walney Nature Reserve. They were spotted during one of our routine seal counts which take place at this time every year. 

Last year we counted a record number of 14 seal pups at the nature reserve. Will this record be matched or maybe surpassed this year?

Beth Churn, Marine Conservation Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “We’re delighted to have recorded seal pups once again at South Walney! This is always an exciting time of year for us, and we hope that there’ll be many more to come. We regularly reach double figures of pups, a trend that’s been improving each year, so let’s hope this season is a successful one for the colony.” 

These are the first two healthy pups spotted at the nature reserve this season; two young pups were seen earlier in the summer but sadly didn’t survive.

There’s no access to the beach at South Walney where the grey seals haul out but a new hide has been built at the nature reserve, from where you may be able to see the seals. The new Groyne Hide will be fully refurbished inside, and we'll install a telescope soon, for viewing the colony. 

The highest number of grey seals recorded to date at South Walney Nature Reserve was 563 in December 2024. The previous highest seal counts were 518 in 2021, 483 in 2019 and 360 in 2018, showing an upward trend year on year. 

This is the 12^th year running that pups have been recorded for Cumbria’s only breeding grey seal colony. The seals started breeding at South Walney in 2015 and pups have been recorded every year since. 

As Beth explains, this success story isn’t accidental: “It’s the result of concerted and ongoing efforts to keep disturbance of the seal colony to a minimum. We work hard to make the beach safe and secure for the seals, so that they feel able to return here to breed. This includes minimising disturbance. 

“We’re asking all sea users, including kayakers, anglers, jet skiers and boats, to please maintain at least 100m distance from the seal colony at all times. You can get good views of the seals with binoculars from a safe distance, so there’s no need to get too close. 

“You’ll know if you’re too close because the seals will start to look at you and move nervously. If this happens, you should immediately start backing away quietly to avoid further disturbance.”

More guidance about seal disturbance is available here Marine & Coastal Wildlife Code.

South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow is open daily from 10am to 5pm (4pm in winter). Visitors are welcome. The visitor cabin is open with information and activity packs for children. 

With stunning views across Morecambe Bay, this shingle island reserve is full of interest and is also a fantastic place for bird watching. Please note dogs are not allowed on the nature reserve, apart from assistance dogs.