Keep off Horsey and Winterton beaches now seal pupping season has begun
Any disturbance or harassment could result in miscarriages or mothers abandoning pups
Friends of Horsey Seals are urging us to keep off beaches with seals on them until February next year.
That's because pupping season has begun and grey seals use the shores at Horsey and Winterton to give birth.
Friends of Horsey Seals are a voluntary group that look out for grey seals in Norfolk.
David Vyse, their Vice-Chairman told us that any disturbance or harassment could have devastating consequences:
"When the mother comes on to the beach and gives birth, if anyone disturbs her she will disappear and leave the pup abandoned on the beach where it will die. The simple message is avoid them, don't go near them".
He went on to say that the group are taking measures to protect the seals and raise awareness
"We put ropes and posts at the top of the dunes. We also have our wardens on duty, especially over the weekend when its particularly busier. It's just talking to the public, asking them to please keep off the beach and answering any questions. People are very interested in the seals and our wardens are very well versed to give the right information.
But Mr Vyse say that members of the public can continue to enjoy the beaches, as long as its from a distance
"If anyone is coming to Winterton or Horsey over the next few weeks, we just ask them to keep behind the barriers. Don't go on the beach, we have got a voluntary beach closure, to stop people going on. We just want people to keep away, enjoy the scene, enjoy the animals, but don't go on the beach."
He concluded by predicting that the Seal colonies will continue to grow bigger this year
"The year before last we counted them, thanks to our seal counting team that go out every week. We had 2,316. The count was stopped last year due to Covid, but we anticipate they will increase by two hundred every year".