Please be our Voice!
My goodness, our world is changing at an alarming rate!
We are all facing challenges which affect our daily lives but fortunately, we do have a voice and the ability to express our concerns. Nature is no different, but unfortunately it does not have the ability to speak out and express itself.
This week is National Seal Week and it’s our opportunity to give our seals a voice and celebrate these iconic creatures that visit our shores.
A happy and resting seal
There is nothing so pleasing, so cathartic and actually quite emotional at times when watching wildlife displaying their natural behaviour.
Natural behaviour cannot be truly witnessed unless they don’t know you are there.
I recall watching a doting mum and her pup on a secluded Pembrokeshire beach from my vantage point high up on a cliff top. I sat there as she lovingly bonded and fed her needy white coated pup and suddenly, I realised that happy tears were running down my cheeks.
It was so emotional and a privilege to share this very special moment.
Sadly, that incredible bond would soon be broken in a few weeks’ time as nature tells mum that she has to leave her precious pup to fend for itself. I reminded myself as to the challenges that lie ahead for mum and her pup…there are so many and it saddened me.
Mum and Pup, Pembrokeshire
It’s moments like these that beg the question who speaks up for nature and wildlife?
The answer is quite a simple one…it should be all of us!
Across the UK, from secluded beaches and sheltered coves to the many wild and windy rocky outcrops, we are blessed to host the North Atlantic Grey Seal and European Harbour Seal. They have not suddenly appeared…they have been with us for millions of years and are truly the sentinels of our seas and such an important part of our wider marine ecosystem. I am often told by many I meet that they have a resident seal at their local beach…usually named ‘Sammy the Seal’. People are very proud and protective of their ‘Sammy’ and I haven’t the heart to tell them it’s probably not the same seal.
Seals cover vast distances as they circumnavigate our coastline even our country as they visit distant shores such as France, Ireland and Holland. They will cover 80 to 100 kilometres in a day so there are many busy well-travelled Sammys out there! Healthy seals are the product of healthy oceans that are abundant with food but sadly our seals are increasingly telling us otherwise. Every other breath we take has originated from our oceans and we need to take good care of how we pollute, exploit and use our precious marine world.
We collectively need to reverse the damage being caused.
This week, we can certainly celebrate these animals by:
Looking after our oceans and the environment seals live in.
Keeping our distance and not disturbing them whilst they are at rest and at play.
Removing the debris littering our coast by regularly beach cleaning.
Not purchasing flying rings that entangle our seals.
Supporting the many seal groups located across the UK.
Visiting the many amazing facts, guidance and advice on the Seal Alliance website.
Seal haul out - Gower
But above all else, we need to be their voice and speak up far and wide to ensure they and many other species are heard.
Yes, the world is changing at an alarming rate but it can change and needs to be changed for the better.
The question is…. what is stopping you being their voice?
Gareth Richards
Vice Chair UK Seal Alliance Executive