In association with Rochdale Field Naturalists
Non-member of Rochdale Field Naturalists: £20
Each year in November and December thousands of grey seals congregate to give birth, and to mate again. Most years there are around 3,000+ seals on the beach which includes bulls, cows and pups. Large bull seals arrive at Donna Nook in early November, waiting for the females to arrive. The cow seals arrive shortly after when they give birth to a single creamy-coloured pup. The seals are so prolific that you can almost touch them – although of course that is forbidden! Last year nearly 2,000 pups were born at Donna Nook. It’s a fantastic chance to get up close and personal and to take some amazing photos.
However, it’s not all about the seals at Donna Nook. The reserve is also known for its array of bird life. Over 250 species have been recorded on the reserve and surrounding farmland. Habitats include sea, intertidal mudflats/ sandflats, saltmarsh, sand dunes, dune scrub, dune slacks and saline lagoons. Setting up a scope along the viewing area gives you great views beyond the saltmarsh out towards the Humber with Spurn Point in the distance. From October to January, a wide variety of passerines, waders and wildfowl can be seen feeding out on the saltmarsh between the seals, and there’s always a chance of seeing a rare migrant.