Grey seal colony continues to thrive at Orford Ness
Fifth year of successful breeding expected for Suffolk's first seal colony
Grey seals are in pup season at Orford Ness for the fifth consecutive year, marking another successful period for Suffolk’s first breeding colony.
The colony was established in 2021 when 200 adult seals arrived at the site. Last year's pupping season recorded 228 births, and the numbers are anticipated to grow further this season.
Female seals, known as cows, give birth to their first pups between the ages of 3 and 5, and they tend to return to the same area each year to give birth. This means that some of the cows having pups now could have been born at Orford Ness during its inaugural breeding season.
Monitoring the colony
During the winter, Orford Ness is closed to visitors, which is helping the seal colony to thrive. Rangers conduct weekly counts, from a safe distance, using telescopes and binoculars to keep track of the colony's size and health.
To avoid disturbing the seals, visitors are urged not to attempt to access Orford Ness while it is closed or use drones and other aerial equipment in the area.
Photos of the colony will be shared in the coming weeks as the pupping season continues.
For more information about Orford Ness and its wildlife, visit Orford Ness .