Seal Tours 2013

Hello! Grey Seal Pup

Mum and pup suckling

People enjoying viewing the seals last autumn

Sunday 13th October comments: As this year’s Grey Seal breeding season gets underway on Northumberland’s Farne Islands, the National Trust is once again offering visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating animals.

The Farne Islands are home to England’s largest population of Atlantic grey seals, with numbers continuing to increase annually. Last year, a whopping 1,603 pups were born on the islands and with an excellent food supply this year- we are hopeful that 2013 will be another successful breeding season.

For the second consecutive year, the rangers are opening up one of the islands to give you an exclusive tour around an active Grey Seal colony. You can see first-hand the challenges that a young pup faces during its first few weeks of life. The first seal pup of 2013 was born on 27th September so come along to see his progress!

From Monday 14 to Thursday 31 October, boats will sail to Staple Island, although numbers are very restricted to minimise disturbance (Seals come first as we do not want any undue disturbance to the breeding animals). Also the tours are very much weather dependant and we advise anyone visiting to wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing, including waterproofs.

Tours cost £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16, including National Trust members.

Boats are sailing from Seahouses:

Mon-Fri at 11am, 12pm and 1pm;

Sat and Sun 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

There is an additional charge for the boat trip. Bookings are advisable.

The two boat companies participating in this unique tour are:

Glad Tidings: (01665) 720316 or evening (01665) 720308

Serenity: (01665) 721667 or evening (01665) 720760.

I’ll keep everyone posted on a daily basis, especially with regards to weather conditions on both the Farnes blog and twitter: @NTSteely so keep a close eye on both!

Hope to see you out here!