Seals at Christmas
"The Christmas period is a wonderful time for many people. This continues to be true for the Atlantic grey seals situated around the Norfolk coast. During this time these seals go through many life experiences from the magic of the pupping season to the misery of brutal reality of life. Through my work, I aim to demonstrate the reality of what these resilient creatures experience ranging from the protection and disruption of people to the freedom, fights, and funny features of their personalities."

A cheeky smile
Like people, each seal has a personality that shines through. This is evident in pups as they discover who they are. Spending time with these curious animals piques their interest, leading to unique interactions. Looking into the lens and smiling, this adorable portrait captures what is most wholesome about such a curious species. I watched this joy develop as the seal played with the grass and sand, finally meeting my eyes with a big grin across its face. In this sweet interaction, this purity of discovery reminded me of the connection I had the first time watching these animals.
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Sharp and pointy
From the day they are born, seal pups have sharp and pointy teeth. Commonly the pups display their array of menacing fangs after a long day of eating, swimming, and playing. These pups are often seen to be yawing which after a careful look can show their age and reliance on nursing through how much they protrude from the gums. After watching this pup play for so long away from the other seals I began to worry it had been abandoned. After a satisfying yawn with its teeth on display, this growing pup has now clearly weaned off its mother’s milk and is ready to begin tackling the world alone. Especially difficult in the ever-growing human-influenced world.

An observed snooze
Over 70,000 people travel to visit the small strip of Horsey beach every year during the winter months. Detrimental to the grey seals' population, human activity causes yearly disruption and death. Spending most of their time out of the water to digest food, rest in the sun and give birth, humans disturb this delicate ecosystem. Resiliently though, these grey seals put up with the ever-growing paparazzi crowds. Older seals experience the crowds yearly becoming tamer and more accepting. Unfortunately, the younger seals aren’t as accommodating. Human involvement often causes the pups to spook causing them to wriggle away in panic and be abandoned by their sleeping mothers. At a respectable distance, this Norfolk novelty can be enjoyed by many. Although, this only continues to be possible through much-needed caution and consideration.

Above the beaches borders
Agile and strong, grey seals from Blakeney to Morston along the North Norfolk coast are seen all over the beaches and amongst the tall grass far up on the dunes. Sectioned-off areas dedicated to the public have now been implemented along the beaches of Winterton to help protect mothers and babies during the pupping season from the ignorant public. Daily volunteers spend their time guiding people around the tough seals who took it upon themselves to climb the steep walls of the dunes reaching above what one would think possible for young or pregnant seals. When interfered with by human interaction seals can be delicate but far stronger than mankind when battling the natural world.
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Ready to pop
After almost a year of gestation to an additional 6 weeks of nursing, Christmas time becomes strenuous for many Atlantic grey seal mothers. As highly protective animals, pregnant seals use their size and aggression to warn off predators. This can turn into an exhausting task. Theoretically protected by these blue guidance ropes, this mother is enjoying her last sleep alone before everything changes. Hours away from birth this will be her final chance of peace, for when her pup is here it will take constant nurturing and protection for its survival.

Survival of the fittest
Many things contribute to the survival rates of grey Atlantic seals from the environment to human-induced stresses. Within the first year of life, seal pups are known to have up to a 50% mortality rate. Significant numbers occur during or shortly after birth. With fate against these tiny souls, human interference is a greater unneeded danger to the population. These little creatures need our help to preserve their well-being, avoiding any added stresses as they try to survive in their harsh environment. Some aren’t as lucky.

Cruel fate
As humans, we often neglect consideration for the surrounding habitats if there is something that benefits us. This is clear along the Norfolk coast where rock revetments have been put in place in front of the concrete sea wall to protect our eroding coastline. In such a significant place, many would think that the wildlife would be of more consideration. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Young seals are often trapped and left exhausted between these large rocks as they get spooked by human interference and are unable to escape down to the beach. The combination of height and the mismatched placement of these rocks leave the seal pups helpless in their attempt to escape. This can lead to many fatalities.

Human entrapment
There is still hope though. Distressed and angry this lucky pup is being rescued by RSPCA-trained volunteers. Using a loop to grab and lift these often-weighty animals out of its unintentional human trap, then followed by the capture into the netting. Causing A new unnatural sensation of the netting against their face and teeth. Often a two-man job even for such a young pup. This bagging method helps for a smooth and safe transition to the release site on the beach. Finally, a struggle to check over the pup, ensuring everything is well before returning it to its natural home.

Successful release
Success in reuniting a stranded seal back to a safe environment is often the most uplifting part of the volunteers’ jobs. With up to 7 or 8 seal rescues from the revetments alone in a single day, these brave, experienced volunteers get to change the fate of tens to hundreds of endangered seals every month. To stand and experience the joy of a successful unharmed release was heart-touching and help to ensure that there is hope for the coastal wildlife. Each volunteer can change the lives of hundreds of seals a season, relieving suffering and creating bonds between our ecosystems and humanity once again.