New charges to see Donna Nook seals

This year’s Covid-safe arrangements to see the seal spectacle at Donna Nook have been announced – and charges will apply.

An online booking system has been introduced to help manage visitor numbers.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust has warned that if you don’t buy a ticket you will be turned away.

People who want to see Donna Nook’s famous seals will have to book to arrive within an hour time slot through the website at a cost of £10 per car.

The first date available is Saturday, October 24.

A spokesperson stated: “This year, in order to open safely, we’ve introduced a booking system to help us manage the number of visitors. Sadly, if you don’t book, you will be turned away, even if you’re a member.

“For the first week, bookings are free. This is because it is unlikely there will be many seals visible along the viewing area. We expect our first pup to arrive around the beginning of November.

“You can arrive at any time within your booked time slot. If you’re more than 10 minutes late we can’t guarantee your spot in the car park.

“Due to government guidelines, we cannot permit gatherings of more than six people. When booking your ticket please do not arrange to meet others if it means you will form a group of more than six.

“Please make sure the details on your booking are correct. All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.”

Only one ticket is needed per car (or party of people if arriving from local accommodation on foot). There are no other parking options available locally.

Thousands of visitors from all over the UK flock to the area every November and December when grey seals visit the coastline to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes.

Donna Nook covers more than 10km (6.25 miles) of coastline between Grainthorpe Haven in the north and Saltfleet in the south where it borders the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is a charity that manages almost 100 of the best sites for wildlife in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. Its work is helping to secure the future of many important habitats and species, which might otherwise be lost.

It is appealing for people to support it with donations due to the effects of coronavirus.

A spokesperson said: “With visitor centres temporarily closed and events cancelled, vital funding has disappeared but the crisis facing nature hasn’t. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is continuing to fight for nature but can only do so with your support.

Photo: Paul Fowler, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

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