Protecting Grey Seals

Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust is increasing its efforts to protect grey seals thanks to funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Grey seals are a globally rare species, and over 40% of the world's population live here in the UK. Despite this, there are still fewer grey seals in the UK than there are red squirrels, so it is vitally important they are protected. 

Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust is one of few charities championing these animals. In 2017, it received a grant of £19,300 thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery to increase the public understanding about grey seals and how to protect them. 

It has recently received a further boost of £19,946 to continue this amazing work.

Increasing Public Understanding

The group has established an indoor and outdoor exhibition with the funding, and have hired an amazement and discovery ranger to teach people about these incredible animals and the difficulties they are facing.

Marion Beaulieu, who took up the role, is focusing on easy and optimistic ways everyone can do their bit to protect the seals, from keeping a distance when admiring them, to not littering when you're having a day out at the beach. 

Marion said, "We're able to reach so many more people thanks to the funding. It's really important that we can actually show them, through our exhibitions and the data we've collected, so they understand how vital and urgent this work is."

Sue Sayer, director of Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, added, "We need people to really want to look after seals. If people all the way around Cornwall care about grey seals, and we've won over their hearts and minds, they will help us conserve them for the future."