Yorkshire Seal Group

The Yorkshire Seal Group is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to the protection and preservation of native Grey and Common seal populations along the Yorkshire coast. Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with charity number 1212418, the group operates primarily through a passionate team of volunteers committed to marine conservation and wildlife stewardship.

Mission and Activities

The organisation focuses on minimizing human disturbance to seals by advocating responsible and respectful wildlife watching practices. It employs citizen science protocols to gather data on seal populations, their movements, breeding success, and to identify and mitigate both existing and emerging threats to these marine mammals. Through field monitoring using scopes, cameras, and other research equipment, volunteers conduct health assessments, welfare checks, and rescue operations for entangled or distressed seals.

The Yorkshire Seal Group promotes environmental stewardship by engaging with various stakeholders and marine user groups and by delivering public education initiatives. These initiatives include community workshops, school education programs, and beach cleaning activities designed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting seal habitats.

Research and Outreach

Research efforts by the group involve systematic data collection on coastal visitor demographics and seal populations to better understand human-wildlife interactions. The group also develops educational resources such as signage to encourage safe distances and behaviour around seal haul-out sites, helping to reduce disturbances.

Beyond fieldwork, the Yorkshire Seal Group is developing digital tools, including a Yorkshire Seal Spotter app, to facilitate public involvement in seal monitoring and conservation.

Community and Support

As a volunteer-run charity, the Yorkshire Seal Group relies heavily on donations and community support to fund its research equipment, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Contributions enable the purchase of necessary optics and cameras, support volunteer activities across the county, and help sustain the team's ongoing efforts to protect these iconic marine species.

Through their commitment, the Yorkshire Seal Group plays a vital role in safeguarding the health, welfare, and future of Yorkshire’s Grey and Common seals, fostering a positive relationship between wildlife and the public along the coastline.

[1] https://yorkshireseals.org [2] https://yorkshireseals.org/support-us [3] https://www.instagram.com/yorkshiresealgroup/ [4] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/CE039334 [5] https://www.neyedc.org.uk/100-species/2024/3/13/56-grey-seal-by-matt-barnes