Due to Government Guidance in relation to Covid-19, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust have introduced a number of changes for those visiting Donna Nook this year (2020), limiting numbers and thus helping to ensure social distancing.
During the seal pupping season, Donna Nook receives over 60,000 visitors. On a single day, visitor numbers can exceed 5,000. With such high numbers, social distancing would be impossible to maintain. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust have been working hard to come up with a solution that keeps visitors, volunteers and staff safe, whilst also still allowing the site to open to visitors for the seal pupping season in 2020.
This means limiting the number present on site at any one time via an online booking system. Visitor numbers have been limited to 600 per day. Tickets will be available for four specified time slots which still allow plenty of time to witness the sights and sounds of the seal colony.
Tickets are available via the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website www.lincstrust.org.uk/events at £10 per car on Saturdays and Sundays, and £7.50 per car on weekdays. Sadly, if you don’t have a pre-booked ticket, even if you’re coming on-foot, you will be turned away.
Paul Learoyd, Chief Executive, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust said:
"We understand how much people enjoy and look forward to visiting Donna Nook; for many it’s a yearly tradition! I’m pleased this new system will still allow visitors to come and see this wildlife spectacle.
“Like many organisations, we’ve been hit hard by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Limiting numbers and managing the new system will be expensive for the Trust meaning the operation comes at a cost to the charity. Our Wardens and volunteers look after the seal colony 365 days a year.
“We know that many people will not be able to visit this year but if you can, please consider making a donation so we can continue to protect this gem on the Lincolnshire coast for wildlife and for all to enjoy.”
A visit to the seal colony will now include following a one-way system. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust request that all visitors maintain a safe distance from each other and keep 2 metres apart.
Please visit the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website www.lincstrust.org.uk/donna-nook for full details about visiting and the visitor guidelines.
Neil Aldridge
Seal Appeal
Help us to continue to protect grey seals and their habitat at Donna Nook by making a donation to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust today. Your support is needed now more than ever.