September's seal of approval

The UK is home to two species, the grey seal and the common seal; both of which may be spotted along the east coast, including around Bridlington.

The grey seal is the larger of the two reaching up to 2.5m in length versus the commons 1.7m.

The seals also have distinctive faces to help you tell the two species apart with the grey seal having a large long nose much like a horse and the common’s being more compact and rounded like a cat. Both species can be spotted along the coastline.

Living Seas Centre manager Anthony Hurd said: “Recently a very small common seal pub was reported to us so we contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) who took the youngster to a rehabilitation centre.

“Common seal pups are born across June and July with adult coats and can swim and dive from a few hours old.

“If you spot a seal on the coast then it is very important not to disturb it or try and usher it back into the sea.

“Resting on land is a normal behaviour for seals especially young seals. Of course if you see a distressed or injured seal then is it best to report it to rescue organisations like BDMLR or the RSPCA.”

A seashore safari will be held at the Living Seas Centre, Flamborough South Landing, on Sunday 2 October, meeting at 11.30am. Families will have the chance to find out more about the varied marine life in and around the rock pools in the company of a YWT expert.

The cost is £5 for a non-member and £3 for a member of the wildlife trust.

A Bridlington North Bay beach clean will be held on Saturday 15 October at 10.30am (at end of North marine Drive).

Visit www.ywt.org.uk/events to check out the trust’s full programme of events in the Yorkshire.