Donna Nook

[103mol]

I am planning to take a trip to Donna Nook on the 10th of Nov. I was wondering if anyone had been there and could tell me a bit about it? Is there a good place to go? Any hints and tips? I am grateful for any info as this is going to be my only opportunity to go this year so I want to make the most of it.
Thanks for any help
Molly

[Jon]

I suspect you may be a little early, suggest you do a google on Donna Nook and the Lincolnchire Wildlife website will probably give you a better idea. I remember there was someone who puts out regular updates on the arrival of the seals.
It is as well to check before you go - I travelled from the west coast to the east coast in 2005 only to find I was a week early and had to make a return trip the following week!
Jon

[AndySwinden]

I have been down to Donna Nook a few times, at yes, its a fantastic place to go - you really cant fail to get good photographs. Im a little unsure of the timing, I have never been as early as the 10th Nov, although I have read that anytime in November and December is good. My own feeling is that early / mid December is best.

I was once lucky enough to get down there when there was snow on the beach - the light was amazing

I have seen lots of people only stay up near the car park / sand dunes, but if you are prepared for a (very!) long trek out to the sea, then you can also get good shots of the seals with the waves breaking round them.

Would be interested to hear back what you see on the 10th.

Good luck !

[Ollie]

Hi Molly, I would suggest the 10th November as being just a touch early. there are some Seals at Donna Nook already but there are no pups as yet to my knowledge.

In my experience the last week of November and the first three weeks of December is usually peak time for pups. I suppose this can vary a little but it's always been the case over the years that I have been visiting. Also if you can visit on a week day rather than a weekend you will be more likely to get good views as weekends can be very busy with crowds of people about and the narrow roads down to the beach can get very congested at a weekend. It's pretty easy to find just follow the signs to Donna Nook and the beach.

You can get very close to the seals with fantastic photo opportunities and it is really worth a visit

Enjoy Your trip
Roger

[103mol]

Thanks, I know it is a little early but it is the only time I can go this year. I will check out the web site. Will defiantly make the walk down to the sea. Really looking forward to it

[PMG]

I don't whether things have changed but we were told prior to our visit in 05 that during the week you cannot go down onto the beach - you have to stay behind the chestnut paling fence, due to plane activity. This first visit (05)was very late Nov - last year (06) we went in late Oct and there were a few pups near the fence and being weekend we also went out to the tideline and watched/photographed seals mating. (and I managed to creep up on 4 dunlin and get very close to a sanderling - but he was moving just too fast for decent pics!). Its also worth keeping an eye open for small birds flitting about - I missed tree sparrows and redwing in the hedge and friends on another visit saw snow bunting but not sure how close he managed to get............

I found a website last year that gave updates and optimum times to visit but I haven't managed to googlethat one up yet!

The only weekend date we can go is also 10th Nov - but whether we do actually set off will be dependant on a whole lot of other stuff; work patterns, weather, family commitments etc......

Go with an open mind and open ears and eyes - bear in mind how cold that coastline is and no cover/shelter whatsoever - Brrrrr! (No loos and not much cover for us ladies either!). The best way to ensure a parking spot is to drive thro the early hours and get there between 6 and 7am - also at this hour you should be able to drive up the narrow approach road without anyone coming the opposite way!

Might see you there Molly!

Regards
Pauline

[103mol]

I will look out for you.

[AndySwinden]

I have always visited during the week to try and go at a quiet time. The earlier you can get there the better - it does get very busy at weekends, especially when the weather is good.

As far as I can remember, the signs there say you can walk across the beach unless the RAF have put flags out warning of plane activity. I have never seen this happen on any of my vists and have been able to cross the beach every single time.

You can see plenty of used ammo on the beach - be careful !

[digitalcaptive]

According to Guide to Donna Nook, Nature Reserves and Beaches in Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire UK there were 39 Pups born as of monday 05/11/07, so this weekend could be a wise choice and beat the rush

[Hobo]

I'm aiming to bring my grand-daughter this Sunday. Do high/low tides times make ay difference to how much we can see? (What I mean is - does the beach always remain accessible? Is there any likelihood that the forecast very high tides will cause problems?
Having read the above posts - I think I'm going to have to get up VERY early in order to get a good spot!
See you all there.
Hobo