Donna Nook National Nature Reserve is home to England’s third largest mainland grey seal breeding colony. The seals spend the majority of the year out at sea feeding and hauled out on sandbanks but when October arrives they start to make their way inland to give birth. Between October and January each year 2,000+ seal pups are born at Donna Nook. This amazing natural spectacle attracts thousands of visitors from all over the UK and further afield.

Seal wardens are present on site seven days a week in all weathers. The majority of a volunteer seal warden’s time is spent engaging with visitors to the site, teaching them about seals and the wider reserve and also making sure they behave in a responsible manner. We run a small souvenir shop, which you can be involved with if you wish.

A roster is arranged in advance with shifts for half a day or a full day covering the full late October to early January period. Daily shift times are as follows: 9:00-12:30, 12:30-16:00 or 9:00-16:00. You can join us as often as you would like - many volunteers have a weekly slot.

By volunteering you are helping to prevent disturbance to the seals, giving them the best possible chance to successfully rear their pups. Teams of at least four volunteer wardens are on site each day with a member of staff or residential volunteer.

Training

No specialist knowledge is needed, just enthusiasm, good communication skills and the ability to work in sometimes pressured situations. Experience of cash handling would be useful but is by no means essential. The nature reserve wardens will provide training before the season starts and material to support your role. When you start, you will be paired up with an experienced seal warden.

If you would like to be part of protecting the seals, or find out more, please contact the Donna Nook Reserve Team by email: OHvol@lincstrust.co.uk