Seal season is fast approaching at Donna Nook, where thousands of pups are born each year.
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which manages the nature reserve, has confirmed that while the first seals are yet to arrive, the initial pups are expected to be born before the end of the month.
Each year between October and December, thousands of seals gather along the Lincolnshire coast to give birth near the sand dunes — a natural spectacle that draws visitors from across the UK.
Last year’s first pup was born on 29 October, signalling the start of the season.
However, 2024 saw a notable decline in births, with 1,649 pups recorded, down 25% from 2,207 the previous year — a decrease of 558. A spokesperson for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust said the drop reflects a wider decline being observed across several UK seal colonies.
Follow Gi Grimsby News for updates as the seal season unfolds and the first pups begin to arrive at Donna Nook.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.