By Warning as enthusiasts flock to Donna Nook
The Ministry of Defence has issued a warning to nature enthusiasts as people flock to the coast to see Donna Nook‘s resident seal colony.
Thousands of people visit the location in Lincolnshire between November and December every year to witness the natural occurance.
Now, wildlife enthusiasts are being urged to remain vigilant of military debris and unexploded ordnance at the site, which is owned by the MoD.
The location is home to historical military activity and is still used for live firing and tactical training activities, posing a safety risk to the public and nearby wildlife.
Lt Col Andy Hough, Regional Commander for the East of England, said: “The pupping season presents a wonderful opportunity for members of the public to explore unique areas of the Defence Estate at Donna Nook and the surrounding region.
“We recognise the huge benefit to mental and physical well-being that outdoor recreation can have when safe to do so.
“Due to its location and historical and active engagement with military activity, debris does often wash up with the tide, or remain in situ after air delivered training. Many of these items can be extremely dangerous.
“If members of the public spot anything we ask them to report it, never touch it. This includes keeping dogs on a lead and paying special attention to what they might pick up off the floor.
“Just a few months ago a member of the public carried a piece of munitions debris from the beach to hand over to my colleagues.
“What they considered an act of diligence, put their life at risk. Had an item exploded it would have undoubtedly led to a fatality.
“Deliberate removal of UXO is not only dangerous, it’s also against the law. We encourage anybody considering removing and selling UXO to stop and think about the danger they are putting themselves in.”
(Photo: Mat Fascione / Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0)
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