The first rescue of the pupping season took place after a seal pup was moved from a busy Cumbrian beach known for dog walking. 

Last month was the start of seal pupping season at South Walney Nature Reserve which is an official grey seal pupping site.

Local wildlife experts warned that during this time it is vitally important for the public to keep their distance from the colony .

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The beginning of the season is a critical time as once a pregnant female finds a suitable place to birth, she and the pup will form a bond.

The slightest bit of interference or disturbance can break this bond. 

After the young pup is weened and leaves mum, they often 'haul' out to rest and sleep - which is perfectly normal and essential for their health.

One seal pup did exactly this last week (October 8) but found himself at Biggar Bank in Walney - a known walking spot with dogs both on and off the lead.

The animal was spotted by a member of the public the previous evening (Monday, October 7) close to the Castle House pub. 

The seal  was discovered on Monday evening and was later moved

James Brockbanks is a qualified marine mammal medic with British Divers Marine Life Rescue. He went out early on Tuesday morning to move the pup to a quieter place. 

He said: "Even though it was in good health, the worry was that as it is a popular dog-walking beach, it would get repeatedly disturbed or worse by dogs on the beach.

"As the tide was out, the seal would have no way of escaping. Thus the decision to relocate the seal was made."

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James managed to capture the seal and put it in the seal crate. Fortunately, an early morning jogger passed by and offered to help by carrying the crate off the beach with him and into the boot of his car parked up a way up the road.

James said: "Once I had picked a quiet relocation site, I was once again lucky enough to have another early morning walker called Lee willing to help me carry the crate down the beach to a suitable area where we released the seal.

Two members of the public helped James with the seal pup's crate (Image: James Brockbanks) "I'd like to thank the members of the public who helped out with the seal and the individual who originally called the BDMLR and showed me the location of the seal the night before and the two others who helped me carry the crate.

"Members of the public are our eyes and ears, we couldn't these animals without their support.  

The BDMLR has the five 'S's' for anyone who comes across a seal:

  • Stop

  • Space

  • Silence

  • Sleep

  • Support

"If a seal looks at you you're too close," James added.

"I would advise anyone who comes across a seal on the beach to keep their distance and any dogs on a lead.

"The seal may be perfectly fine and just resting.

The seal pup is now in a quieter location (Image: James Brockbanks) "However if you have any concerns for it's welfare please call British Divers Marine Life Rescue BDMLR 01825765546 and a marine mammal medic will be sent to assess the animal."