Seasons by the Sea | Grey Seals at Blakeney Point

Experience life on Blakeney Point in Norfolk as it transforms throughout the year. From the mass arrival of seal pups in winter to the noisy feathered-frenzy of summer, discover how a remote stretch of shingle coastline is home to some of the UK's most unique wildlife.

Please follow our seal-spotting guidance

nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife/seal-spotting-guidance

Find out more about visiting Blakeney National Nature Reserve

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blakeney-national-nature-reserve 

Read about the Sea Mammal Research Unit’s work

www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk

 If you'd like to get in touch with feedback, or have a story connected with the National Trust, you can contact us at [email protected]

Auto Generated Additional Information

**Introduction:**

- In this special episode, the National Trust Podcast takes listeners on a journey through the seasons at Blakeney National Nature Reserve, exploring the diverse wildlife and landscapes that thrive in this unique environment.

- From the winter seal pupping season to the bustling summer bird breeding grounds, the podcast uncovers the sights, spectacles, and conservation efforts at Blakeney Point in Norfolk.

**Main Topics Discussed:**

- Winter Seal Pupping Season: The episode starts with the annual seal carcass clean-up, a vital conservation task to clear the way for new wildlife to thrive at Blakeney Point.

- Summer Bird Breeding Grounds: The coastline comes alive with ground-nesting migrant seabirds during the summer months, creating a frenzy of activity on the beach.

- Autumn Spectacle: As autumn arrives, the coastline flaunts a seasonal look of its own, with the seal colony expanding and volunteers monitoring the health of the UK seal population.

**Key Takeaways:**

- Blakeney Point is one of the world's most important sites for grey seal pupping, with around 4000 pups born each year.

- Conservation efforts, such as seal tagging and monitoring, have led to a significant increase in the seal population at Blakeney over the past 20 years.

- Responsible wildlife photography guidelines are essential for capturing the beauty of the seals without disturbing their natural habitat.

**Guests:**

- Doctor Debbie Russell, Deputy Director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at Saint Andrews University, provides insights into the grey seal population and conservation efforts at Blakeney Point.

- Hanne Siebers, a National Trust volunteer and property photographer, shares her experience of capturing the beauty of the seals at Blakeney Point.

**Closing Remarks:**

- The episode concludes with a reminder to follow guidelines for enjoying the wildlife at Blakeney Point responsibly and to take action to help save our Wild Isles through conservation efforts.

**Note:** Remember to follow the guidelines provided in the show notes for the best and safest ways to enjoy the wildlife at Blakeney Point.