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Record 430 Grey Seal Pups Counted at Suffolk’s Orford Ness

Seasonal closures with distant monitoring are credited with supporting the fast-growing colony.

Overview

  • Peak adult numbers reached 803 during the latest season, the highest recorded at the site.
  • Annual pup totals have risen from 25 in 2021–22 to 228 in 2024–25, underscoring consistent year-on-year growth.
  • Managers say storm-driven shingle shifts, including during Storm Goretti, caused only limited disruption this winter.
  • The site is considered Suffolk’s first breeding grey seal colony, likely formed after spillover from Norfolk rookeries.
  • Rangers conduct weekly, distant checks and caution that counts may become estimates as numbers expand, with human disturbance and drone use flagged as key risks.