Seals at Donna Nook
Those of you that have been following this blog for a while (and I thank you for that) may recall a series of images I took last autumn of a grey seal colony in Norfolk and my thoughts on the growing problem of photographers at Donna Nook. Well, it’s almost that time of year again when hundreds, nay thousands of photographers descend on the colony at Donna Nook to get pretty much the same images as thousands before them.
Taken at Donna Nook back in 1992. Nikon F3, 500mm f4P, Kodachrome 64.
In my entry close to 10 months ago, I told how I visited DN (for the first and last time) back in 1992 when hardly anyone, pro’s and amateurs alike, knew it even existed. Indeed, it was only because I had an interest in these creatures and through snail-mail communication to wardens and the like, that I eventually spent 3 days there. And guess what? I was the only one with a telephoto lens! I saw 3 others all day with point and push cameras who were locals and just enjoying the experience. So why am I rattling on about it again? In the latest (October) edition of Outdoor Photography, Peter Moonlight writes a very interesting piece on the impact on seal pups that the photographer’s are making. It’s a sobering thought many who consider themselves nature photographers would put a picture before the well being of the animal. I accept that the draw to be close to and photograph wild animals is strong but perhaps more willpower should now be exercised if we are to let this colony thrive. What the answer is I do not know. Close off the beach completely? Can’t see that working. Have small groups led across the beach by a warden….for a fee? For photographer’s to stop leading groups for profit to the beach colony? These seem to be growing as each year passes. One thing is for certain. This debate is sure to continue for some years to come.
Norfolk colony, taken last year.
If anyone has any thoughts on this issue, I would welcome your comments.
4 Comments to Seals at Donna Nook
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About Robert Canis
Robert Canis is a professional photographer specialising in the natural world.
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My understanding as regards access (which may be wrong as it is second hand; I’ve never been to DN), is that Lincs WT has to allow public access as part of their agreement with the MOD/RAF. I don’t know what scope there is for adapting this.
I see no reason why commercial activities cannot be licenced, limited or banned. However, this would only work if those on the workshops would not be there otherwise; are the workshops supplying a demand or creating one with regard to Donna Nook?
Ultimately, if the ‘bad behaviour’, or just impacts through sheer numbers of visitors, cannot be managed, then it is down to Lincs WT and the landowner to restrict access. The responsible individuals will have to live with it for the sake of the wildlife.
Greg
I live in Louth and have been to DN twice in the last 5 yearts. I have never seen anyone allowed to go far onto the beach and the seals are never antagonised or disrupted in any way. There is a fence placed which runs all the way along the beach, well above the tideline and only leaves a pathway, which at it’s widest point is about 3-4 metres wide. If these magnificent mammals want privacy, they simply move away or spend their time in the many water channels that exist.
Hello Tony, I wonder if perhaps you went on a weekday? If this is the case then the seals are indeed left alone as the beach is closed on weekdays for target practise by the RAF. However, from October to February when the seals are pupping etc, on weekends there are many, many photographers on the main beach where the majority of the population are since the beach is not closed then.
Th problem is not so much with the adults, they have the ability to move away or let you know you are too close, but photographer’s surrounding a pup when it is unable to move far, keeping the adult away. In some cases the female has even abandoned it’s young. Sadly, not all ‘wildlife’ photographers have their best interests at heart!
I agree 100% with this article. I visited Donna Nook for the first time about 5 years ago or more. It became an annual visit for me in November and I even took some friends each year. Each year I noticed the car park was getting busier than the last. The last time I visited I was appalled at the behaviour of some wildlife photographers with huge zoom lenses. As you say it was picture at any cost and a group of them would get into position and then make noises to attract the attention of one baby seal which was obviously distressed. What they don’t understand is how needless it is since there is always one photogenic pup who seems happy to pose and you can always tell from the mother’s reaction whether a pup is distressed.
In my opinion the wildlife photographers who go to Donna Nook are no better than the papparazzi who hassle the rich and famous.
Gary