Consecutive breeding success at South Walney
Two seal pups have been spotted at South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow, marking the 12th consecutive year that pups have been recorded at the site. Cumbria Wildlife Trust confirmed the arrival of the two healthy pups during a routine seal count this season. Two earlier pups were seen in the summer but did not survive.
The reserve is home to the county’s only breeding grey seal colony and a major haul-out site where seals come ashore to rest. Grey seals first began breeding at South Walney in 2015, and pups have been documented every year since. Last year, a record number of 14 seal pups were counted at the reserve.
Marine conservation officer Beth Churn described the period as an exciting time of year. “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,” Churn said.
Growing seal numbers and conservation efforts
Population counts at the nature reserve have shown a consistent upward trend over recent years. The highest number of grey seals recorded to date reached 563 in December 2024. Previous peak counts included 518 seals in 2021, 483 in 2019, and 360 in 2018.
According to Churn, the growth is the result of ongoing efforts to keep disturbances to the colony to a minimum. The trust works to secure the beach so the animals feel safe returning to breed.
While there is no public access to the haul-out site, three viewing hides are located around the area, and a new hide at Groyne is currently under construction with an included telescope.
The trust urges visitors to maintain a distance of at least 100 metres (328 feet) from the colony at all times to prevent disruption. Churn noted that visitors can observe the animals clearly with binoculars, adding that seals will look and move nervously if people get too close, which serves as a sign to back away quietly.
