It’s pupping time for seals off Wales’ coastline – National Trust doubles seal pup walks in Pembrokeshire

National Trust doubles seal pup walks in Pembrokeshire

This September and October, visitors to the National Trust will be guaranteed to see seal pups off its protected coastline – with double the number of guided walks in Pembrokeshire.

Spring might be considered the season of new life, but across Wales this autumn hundreds of Atlantic grey seal pups will be born on Welsh shores, from Pembrokeshire to the Llyn Peninsula.

The aquatic mammals come to Wales to pup due to its rugged coastline of secluded coves and private beaches. Birthed in the coves and reared on land, the seal pups are a wildlife wow for visitors.

Matthew Thompson, a National Trust Ranger in Mid Pembrokeshire has been leading the walks for a decade. He said: “When I first started volunteering with the Trust, I remember taking a tea break on the headland looking out toward the sea. I opened my flask and spotted two heads bobbing on the water. I was completely fixated, I had never seen a seal before then. It was in that moment that I decided I wanted to work for the National Trust. Even now after 10 years doing the walks, the visitors’ reactions take me back to that moment.”

The National Trust cares for land up to the cliff edge and works closely with Natural Resources Wales to safeguard the shores below through land management and regular beach cleans.

Visitors will see the annual arrival of the Atlantic grey seals below the cliffs of the Deer Park on a two-mile guided walk with Matthew followed by a hot snack and drink at Runwayskiln café.

Matthew added: “When on the walks, we take special care not to disturb the pups and keep groups to a small number as seals can get distressed by large numbers. At this time of year you are guaranteed to spot the pups, whatever the weather.”

It’s not just the seal pups. Here is where else you can see wildlife coming into its own this autumn:

• Bats at Aberdulais Tinworks and Falls will be mating in September and flying over the river to catch flies, building up fat reserves for winter hibernation.

• Deers rutting at Dinefwr. Every October at Dinefwr Park the fallow deer bucks battle it out in a bid to attract the females, belching and bellowing as they strut around their territory before clashing antlers until there is a clear victor. Only the strongest will get to mate with the females and father the next generation of fallow deer. It’s one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the British Isles.
• Wild ponies at Carneddau. The sight of wild ponies is an enchanting bonus to any walk in the Carneddau hills. These mountain ponies of Snowdonia are believed to date back to around 500BC and there are now around 200 left, still roaming the rugged upland landscape. In autumn visitors may see them grazing in readiness for colder months ahead.
• Birds on the Llyn Peninsula a haven for spotting visiting migrants during the breeding season. Large numbers of willow warbler, chiffchaff and goldcrest arrive in autumn, along with many species of flycatchers, warbler, wagtail, thrush and finch.
• Red Squirrel at Plas Newydd Six red squirrels were brought to Plas Newydd in 2008 and released into the deciduous woodland. They bred successfully and can now be found throughout the gardens and parkland of the estate, where visitors can see them collecting nuts and eating at many feeding stations. Learn more about these amazing creatures from the Red Squirrel rangers on a guided walk.
• Fungi at Erddig to spot some of the 130 different species found at the 18th century country house in Wrexham. Discover the world of fungi on a guided walk across estate lead by fungus specialist Ian Staniforth.

Lauri MacLean, National Trust Wildlife Advisor in Wales, said: “It’s not just the changing weather and colour happening across our places in Wales over autumn. Our wildlife is extremely active preparing for the turn of seasons too. Some are bringing new life into the world, while others are getting ready to hide away for winter.

“If you are visiting one of outdoor sites or planning a trip to one of our property and gardens, be sure to keep your eyes peeled as there will be lots of wildlife surprises to spot.”

There is still some availability to enjoy a guided seal pup walk at Marloes Sands. To book a trip, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/marloes-peninsula

 For more autumn wildlife wows across Wales, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/autumn-wildlife-wows-in-wales