Help Forvie seal pups this season

Two pups have so far been spotted at the north-east reserve this breeding season, but staff are hoping that number will soon increase, with several pregnant seals on the reserve.

Forvie is home to one of Scotland’s largest seal haul outs at the mouth of the River Ythan and viewing the colony is a true wildlife spectacle.

At this time of year, however, pups are extremely vulnerable, and visitors are being reminded to steer clear of the point where the seals haul out. Signs have been erected on the reserve to remind people to stay away from the colony.

Fantastic views can instead be had from a safe distance on the south side of the river at Newburgh, where there is a new all-abilities boardwalk and viewing platform.

NatureScot’s Forvie NNR reserve manager Catriona Reid said: “It’s not that long ago that Forvie didn’t even have a grey seal colony. Back in the mid-1990s, there was little more than an occasional sighting, and certainly no established haul-out or breeding. Fast forward to last March and we counted more than 3,200 grey seals on the sands, the largest number yet recorded here.

“The Forvie seals are a real success story of wildlife recovery and resilience. But their future depends on how we act now. A loud voice, a drone, a dog or even someone wandering too close can drive mothers to flee or pups into the water before they’re ready.

“We want people to be able to enjoy the experience of seeing these magnificent mammals while protecting the seals. That’s why, as we head into another pupping season, we’re asking everyone not to approach the seals on the north side of the river and to enjoy the views from the boardwalk. Help us make sure these beaches remain a place of safety, not stress, for the seals and that every pup gets the best possible start in life.”

Grey seals are found across the North Atlantic – from Canada and Greenland to the coasts of Scotland and into the Baltic. They spend most of their time at sea, coming ashore only to rest, moult and breed. Mothers give birth to a single pup each autumn or early winter, nursing it for two or three weeks before returning to the water. The pup, left to moult its soft white coat, will soon head out to sea and start life on its own.

As a designated seal haul-out site, it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass a seal at Forvie. If anyone thinks they have witnessed a wildlife crime on the reserve, they should contact Police Scotland on 101.

ENDS