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Donna Nook seal colony

The Donna Nook Grey Seal Colony - Managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve 

Britain's population of grey seals is considered to be of international conservation importance. Donna Nook is home to some 3000 Grey seals at certain times of the year, and in 2008 more than 1000 pups were born here.  

For most of the year the Grey seals disperse out to sea or haul out around the coast. However from October - December the seals come to breed near the dunes at Donna Nook. Donna Nook is owned by the MOD as a bombing range. The seals seem remarkably undisturbed by the planes. The reserve covers more than 10 km (6.25 miles) of coastline.

When visiting Donna Nook, for your own safety and to reduce disturbance to the seals, please follow this code:

• Strictly observe all red flag and other bombing range warnings.
• Don't get too close to the seals.
• Keep out of sanctuary areas.
• Never feed or pet the seals - even pups can inflict a nasty bite!
• No unaccompanied children.
• No dogs.
• Organised parties can be arranged via the Trust's Coastal Warden, Rob Lidstone-Scott.
• There is a small car park at Stonebridge.
• Weekdays are the best time to visit; the narrow lanes and car park get very congested at weekends.
• Seals are pupping November to December.

Highlights: Grey seals dominate, but the dunes, mudflats and saltmarshes attract large numbers of birds, and common lizards are also founf here. 

Birds:  Woodcock, lapland bunting, shore lark, hen harrier, short-eared owl, reed bunting, shelduck, twite, linnet, meadow pipit, brent geese, knot, dunlin, large flocks of gulls and terns can all be seen at some times of the year.

Location:  There are several access points off the main A1031 coastal road. There are parking facilities at (from north to south): Stonebridge (GR: TF 422998), Howden's Pullover (GR: TF 449952), Sea Lane, Saltfleet (GR: TF 456944) and Saltfleet Haven (GR: TF 467935). Access for the grey seal colony is at the Stonebridge car park.

Grid reference: TF422997

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.