About the reserve

The reserve consists of dunes, slacks and inter-tidal areas. Coastal processes alter the natural features from year to year. Sand from the beach and offshore sandbanks is blown inland by easterly winds to form dune ridges. Deposition of material from the River Humber has resulted in mudflats and saltings. The advancing dunes have trapped areas of saltmarsh behind them, and these areas have gradually become less saline, allowing an interesting plant community to develop.

In winter, there is a breeding colony of grey seals, with more than 2,000 pups born annually. A viewing area at the foot of the sand dunes reduces disturbance to the seals and ensures the safety of visitors.

Please visit our main Donna Nook page for further information.

Visitors should be made aware that the Ministry of Defence still maintains part of the area as a bombing target range and under no circumstances should anyone enter the bombing area when red flags are flying. However, most of the dune area is accessible at all times. For your own safety and to reduce disturbance to the seals during pupping season, all visitors should stay within the viewing area behind the fence.

Location information

Donna Nook location PDF

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