Seal pups born at South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow

The first two pups of the season were spotted in early October, marking the 10th consecutive year that pups have been recorded for Cumbria’s only breeding grey seal colony.

Beth Churn, marine conservation officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: "This is wonderful news and a real landmark for us.

This marks the 10th consecutive year that pups have been recorded (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust) "The growth of the grey seal colony at South Walney is a great conservation success story.

"The colony has grown from single figures in the 1980s and 90s to the highest number recorded so far - 518 - in 2021."

The seals began breeding at South Walney in 2015, and pups have been recorded each year since.

The seals began breeding at South Walney in 2015 (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust) This success is the result of concerted efforts to minimise disturbance of the seal colony.

The wildlife charity works hard to make the site safe and secure for the seals, so that they feel able to return here to breed.

However, people, dogs, and boat users have caused disturbances in recent years.

Ms Churn said: "At this time of the year, the colony is at its most vulnerable to disturbance.

"It’s really important that we keep away from the seals to give the pups the best chance of survival.

"The government code of conduct advises that all water vessels, including kayaks, stay a minimum of 100m away from seal haul-out sites and there is no public access to the spit where they are."

The wildlife charity works hard to make the site safe and secure for the seals (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust) The trust welcomes the decision by one ferry operator to suspend seal tours during the pupping season and another ferry company to move elsewhere.

Ms Churn said: "We thank them for their responsible decisions.

"This will certainly help the seal colony at this critical time of the year."

The best way to see the South Walney seals is to follow the Cumbria Wildlife Trust on social media and watch the live sealcam.

One ferry operator has suspended seal tours during this time to reduce disturbance (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust) Visitors to South Walney can also watch the seals in the sea at high tide from a safe distance in Groyne Hide, with binoculars or a viewing scope.

The trust appeals to all sea users, including kayakers, anglers, jet skiers, and boats, to maintain at least 100m distance from the seal colony at all times.

Ms Churn explained that the photos and videos issued by Cumbria Wildlife Trust were taken by trained seal surveyors, using scopes and long lenses.

The seals are not disturbed by this as they’re not looking alert or focused on the lens.

South Walney Nature Reserve, near Barrow, is open daily from 10am to 5pm (4pm in winter).

Images of the seals are captured by trained seal surveyors (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust) Visitors are welcome and the visitor cabin is open with information and activity packs for children and a monitor streaming the live sealcam.

With stunning views across Morecambe Bay, this shingle island reserve is full of interest and is also a fantastic place for bird watching.

However, dogs are not allowed on the nature reserve, apart from assistance dogs.

The trust hopes that by continuing their efforts to minimise disturbance, the seal colony will continue to thrive and more pups will be recorded in the future.