Work has begun on the Farne Islands to continue the world’s longest-running grey seal population study. Since 1952, wildlife experts have monitored the number of pups born on the rocky archipelago off the Northumberland coast.
Where once National Trust rangers would dab paint on the seals to show they had been counted – and risk being bitten by the pups’ protective mothers – now the work is carried out from 75 metres above using drones. The modern method is considered less intrusive to the seals and less dangerous for the rangers.
In 1952, around 500 pups were born on the Farne Islands and by 2024 that had increased to 3,624. The islands are considered one of England’s biggest grey seal colonies, providing a range of habitats, abundant food and relatively little interference from humans.
Visitors can watch the spectacle from boat trips but are stopped from landing on the islands during the pupping season. Sophia Jackson, area ranger for the National Trust, said: “The arrival of the first pup is always a special moment. It signals the start of our seal monitoring season and reminds us of the importance of the Farnes as a sanctuary for wildlife.”
Tom Hendry, area ranger, added: “The sighting of the first pup triggers the start of our count, and we’re curious to see if the upward trend in pup numbers continues from 3,443 pups in 2019 to 3,624 in 2024.” The survey will continue through the autumn, with data analysed by Newcastle University and results expected in the spring.
