Visitors asked to help Forvie seal pups this Christmas

This breeding season, five grey seal pups have been spotted at the north-east reserve, which hosts one of Scotland’s largest seal haul outs at the mouth of the River Ythan.

The pups appear to be doing well so far, but staff are asking visitors for their help to protect the vulnerable young seals by following new guidance recently put in place to avoid disturbance.

Previously advice was to keep a safe distance from the seals at the reserve, but people are now being asked to avoid the point where seals haul out completely because of continued disturbance. Signs have been erected on the reserve to advise visitors of the new local access guidance.

The best place for people to see the seals is from a safe distance on the south side of the river at Newburgh, where there is a new all-abilities boardwalk and viewing platform.

Forvie NNR reserve manager Cat Reid said: “Forvie is a great place to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy nature this holiday season, with lots to see even in the winter months.

“At this time of year, the stars of the show are the seals, and we’re really pleased to see five pups this breeding season. As ever, we’d just like to remind visitors how important it is that the seals are not disturbed during this critical period. Pups may be abandoned by their mothers or crushed as seals stampede into the water to escape from people.

“If you want to see the seals and see if you can spot a pup this Christmas, then the best and safest way is to go to the beach road car park in Newburgh, where you can enjoy great views and photo opportunities without disturbing the colony. We’d like to say a huge thank you to visitors for their help in keeping the seals safe.”

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