Did you know you can go seal watching right here in the UK?
Britain is home to around 36% of the world’s seal population of grey seals and you may spot some around the Essex coastline, as well as Norfolk, Orkney Islands, Scotland, various locations along the coast, of West Cornwall, Donna Nook, Lincolnshire. Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Monach Isles in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland and Farne Islands, Northumberland.
As well as seals there are so many incredible wildlife species we can see right here on our British Isles, and I have been so inspired following watching the new BBC series Wild Isles, that captures the beautiful and diverse landscapes of our home as never seen before and narrated by Sir David Attenborough, and produced by Silverback Films – the filmmakers behind the ‘Planet’ documentary series, such as Blue Planet, Our Planet and Green Planet.
It is currently broadcast on BBC One and available on iPlayer in the UK and Ireland and definitely worth a watch to see just how incredibly diverse our flora and fauna is on our doorstep!
The Seal Watching Experience
I booked a seal watching tour with Seal Watching Harwich in Essex and found it to be a fantastic way to see Seals, as well as a very ethical experience as the boat doesn’t go very close to them so as not to spook them, which I loved, as I am all about respecting animals in their natural habitat. Don’t worry, sightings are guaranteed, albeit from a slight distance.
You start off at the Ha’penny Pier in Harwich on a 120 minute boat trip on open-decked Gloria from Harwich to Hamford Water National Nature Reserve where the 250 resident seals currently enjoy resting on the mudbanks of Oakley creek.
This population has risen from only 5 in 1986 and consists of both common seals and grey seals.
Hamford waters are the perfect habitat for the seals because the area has a series of tidal creeks and these offer shelter and protection for the seals from water storms.
I recommend dressing warmly for the trip with waterproofs, a beanie hat and gloves as there is a lot of water spray and there is wind chill, which I was told also happens in the summer months so go prepared!
Types of seals
You will spot the Common seals, which are the smaller of the two UK seal species, and the grey seal that can be distinguished from the common seal by its larger size and longer head with a sloping ‘roman nose’ profile. Common seals have V-shaped nostrils.
Things to know:
- It costs £26.40 per adult and £20.90 per child age 6-16 and £15.40 under 6.
- There are toilet facilities onboard the boat as well as across the road from the pier.
- If the weather isn’t perfect the trip will still depart as long as it is safe to do so so just dress for all weathers.
- Binoculars or a zoom lens would be recommended as the boat doesn’t go too close to the seals.
- The boats are unfortunately not disability friendly so bear in mind when booking.
- There is parking available at the pier and a cafe where you can get coffees, sandwiches, scones and cakes.
You can watch a reel of my experience here:
For more information on booking a seal-watching trip to Hamford Water this summer, go to www.sealwatching.co.uk
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