| Blakeney National Nature
Reserve came into the ownership of the National Trust in 1912, as the first nature reserve
in Norfolk. The Point and surrounding marshes at Morston and Cley form over 2400 acres of
protected conservation area. This managed area,
most of it freely open to the public provides the habitat for resident and migratory
birds, many of them not seen in other parts of the country. Little, Common, Sandwich and
Arctic terns nest here on the shingle ridges after their wintering in Africa; other
important species are Ringed Plovers, Oyster Catchers and Shelduck.
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There is much more to see with native plants,
butterflies and and life along the shoreline, but Blakeney Point is best known for it's
colony of Grey and Common Seals which now number over 400. The Common seals vary in colour
from silvery grey to brown or even black with a fine spot pattern; their heads are rather
round and dog-like with a concave bridged nose and V-shape nostrils. The pups are born
from June to August and can swim at birth; their coat being similar to the adult. Grey
seals are of variable colour but in the main much darker, with a heavier blotchy pattern;
their heads are also larger with a convex bridge and parallel nostrils. The pups are born
later in the year from October to December with a white coat and are more dependant on the
land; they suffer a high mortality rate.
By far the best way to see the seals close to is by ferry boat, as these are accepted by
the seals and can approach within a few feet of the colony. The ferries also land most
days (tides permitting) at Pincher's Creek, where visitors can go ashore for an hour to
walk around the reserve or visit the old life boat house which is now an infomation centre
and also offers refreshments. There are hides located at prime sites nearby
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Blakeney Point is a very special place and costs
£50,000 a year to look after. Access is free, but a donation of just £1 per visitor to
the reserve would cover these costs. Please visit us, the best times are in the lspring
and early summer and later in September and October, when the seal pups are born and the
birds are migrating. If you have enjoyed your “virtual trip” of this reserve,
please tell us through the “response form” and we will continue to expand the
page and put up seasonal photographs. If you wish to pledge a donation to the trust, this
may also be done at the same time. |
