Cat's Life: The weird and wonderful wildlife to be watched in 2024

2023 started off swimmingly when a drone count in January revealed 466 grey seals at South Walney Nature Reserve.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust stated that this was a great recovery for the population of grey seals following a dip in 2022.

The number of sharks in the area also appeared to increase as 13% more egg cases from sharks and rays surfacing on Walney Island - which was up from 2022.

Last year also saw many locals pleasantly surprised by the appearance of more otters in Kendal waters.

The playful mammals, which almost went extinct 50 years ago, are a great a sign of high-quality water in local rivers.

Great work was done by conservationists and volunteers to protect many species of wildlife and marine life, as well insect populations, however there is still much work to be done.

Local Marine Mammal Medics are continuing their fight to get a Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) to protect seals not only in Walney but all over the UK.

A number of seals, including the first grey pup of the season in 2023, were lost or injured after being hit or scared off by boats coming too close.

There is also the endless work of volunteers to keep areas free from litter.

Many locals took it upon themselves to remove trash from greenspaces last year which reached all the way down to bikes and trolleys discarded in river beds.

In the summer of 2023, Bird Flu struck with dedicated volunteers like Caroline Simms at Ulverston canal taking it up upon themselves to help and spot signs of the awful disease.

A number of big storms also saw a higher number of injured and exhausted seabirds and pigeons arrive at Bardsea Bird Sanctuary.

Rachel Wilson of Rachel's Wildlife also continues to look after many birds that have been injured due to human interference in local parks. 

The rescuers continue to try and adapt their services and facilities often with limited means.

Local Marine Medics are campaigning for better facilities and equipment to continue to look after the vast marine life of the South Cumbrian coasts.

Rachel has also been working with Cumbria Animal and Hen Rescue to build some more enclosures for her animals as well as an indoor area.

The former Information Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust will be re-starting her junior wildlife talks from January 13  at Ormsgill Reservoir.

She is also working on monthly community projects around Ormsgill like litter picks, swan feeds and other projects involving the community.

There is plenty to look forward to, and keep an eye on for 2024, and as such, I will be following the many exciting developments, campaigns and projects that are to come.