{"id":29,"date":"2021-10-08T13:30:42","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T11:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discoverwildlife.com\/?p=47753"},"modified":"2021-10-12T11:45:42","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T09:45:42","slug":"where-and-when-to-see-grey-seal-pups-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/where-and-when-to-see-grey-seal-pups-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Where and when to see grey seal pups in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Mike Dilger\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 08 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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While the whiskery face of a grey seal popping out of our coastal waters will always remain a delight to spot, in no way could this fleeting view be labelled a \u2018spectacle\u2019. For the real seal deal you should instead head to a select number of beaches around our coastline, which at this time of year play host to an astonishing annual fiesta of synchronised pupping, before the boorish bulls then gate-crash the party with just one thing on their minds: mating again.<\/p>\n

If you do go seal watching, it\u2019s vitally important not to disturb them. Follow the guidelines listed below to ensure that both adults and pups remain undisturbed and able to continue with their normal behaviours.<\/p>\n

One of just two pinnipeds breeding along our coastline, the other being the common or harbour seal (below),<\/em> it is ironically the grey seal that is more abundant.<\/p>\n

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Monach Islands, Outer Hebrides, Scotland<\/h4>\n
Situated off the west coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, these uninhabited islands must be accessed by boat, but 10,000 grey seals come ashore here in autumn.<\/p>\n

Orkney Islands, Scotland<\/h4>\n
The islands host many grey seal colonies around the dramatic coastline. One of the best viewing spots for \u2018selkies\u2019, as the locals call them, is from the cliff top at Burwick on South Ronaldsay.<\/p>\n

Farne Islands, Northumberland, England<\/h4>\n
This area off the Northumberland coast is famous for its summer seabird colonies, but is also home to thousands of grey seals each autumn. Seal counts are undertaken every year.<\/p>\n

Horsey and Winterton, Norfolk, England<\/h4>\n
Head to these sites along the Norfolk coast to spot a relatively accessible seal colony. Volunteer wardens will help you see the seals from the sand dunes.<\/p>\n

Monach Islands, Outer Hebrides, Scotland<\/h4>\nSituated off the west coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, these uninhabited islands must be accessed by boat, but 10,000 grey seals come ashore here in autumn.<\/p>\n

Orkney Islands, Scotland<\/h4>\nThe islands host many grey seal colonies around the dramatic coastline. One of the best viewing spots for \u2018selkies\u2019, as the locals call them, is from the cliff top at Burwick on South Ronaldsay.<\/p>\n

Farne Islands, Northumberland, England<\/h4>\nThis area off the Northumberland coast is famous for its summer seabird colonies, but is also home to thousands of grey seals each autumn. Seal counts are undertaken every year.<\/p>\n

Horsey and Winterton, Norfolk, England<\/h4>\nHead to these sites along the Norfolk coast to spot a relatively accessible seal colony. Volunteer wardens will help you see the seals from the sand dunes.<\/p>\n

Monach Islands, Outer Hebrides, Scotland<\/h4>\n
Situated off the west coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, these uninhabited islands must be accessed by boat, but 10,000 grey seals come ashore here in autumn.<\/p>\n

Orkney Islands, Scotland<\/h4>\n
The islands host many grey seal colonies around the dramatic coastline. One of the best viewing spots for \u2018selkies\u2019, as the locals call them, is from the cliff top at Burwick on South Ronaldsay.<\/p>\n

Farne Islands, Northumberland, England<\/h4>\n
This area off the Northumberland coast is famous for its summer seabird colonies, but is also home to thousands of grey seals each autumn. Seal counts are undertaken every year.<\/p>\n

Horsey and Winterton, Norfolk, England<\/h4>\n
Head to these sites along the Norfolk coast to spot a relatively accessible seal colony. Volunteer wardens will help you see the seals from the sand dunes.<\/p>\n