Donna Nook is one of Lincolnshire’s most visited areas during wintertime due to a large population of Grey Seals that return every year to breed. A wildlife spectacle that attracts people from around the world.
The Grey Seals return every year due to the ‘cows’ (female seals) being very site faithful and have now become accustomed to the presence of people.
One particular female, Ropeneck, has returned almost every year since being rescued at Donna Nook, in 2000. She is called ‘Ropeneck’ as when she was found she was struggling to breath, due to having a rope tingled around her neck.
The population of returning Grey Seals is around 6,000 strong and they attract a large number of people. According to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, “Donna Nook receives upwards of 60,000 visitors, with 6,000+ visiting on each of the peak weekends in November and December.”
However, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the Grey Seals have had a few problems regarding the recent increase in popularity. As more people visit the iconic location, it becomes harder for the Seal Wardens to control.
As only 30-40 wardens are present on peak weekends, they are outnumbered by visitors 170-1. Therefore, the wardens sometimes struggle to control the large crowds of people eager to view the seals. Which can negatively effect the seals.
Aleksandra Simsone, a volunteer Seal Warden, told us that “the weekends are incredible, especially coming up towards Christmas. There’s still around 5,000 seals on the beaches to see, and it can still get very busy. But, most people very considerate towards the seals, and they’re happy to take pictures from behind the fence.”
Most of the people wanting to view the seals are photographers and in order to get the best shots, they sometimes ignore the signs and precautions and venture onto the beach. This can distress some of the cows, as they feel threatened resulting in them leaving their pup. Outer Humber and Coast Warden, Matt Blissett, said this has caused “a higher mortality rate for pups that are closer to humans, than those on the shore”.
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