Around half of the rare seal species are thought to live in British and Irish waters, with the Farnes, off the Northumberland coast, being home to one of the largest colonies in England. As the first Atlantic greys of the season showed themselves to the cameras, their appearance triggers the start of the seal pup count by National Trust rangers on the islands. See the sea mammals in action with these beautiful pictures.
1. That face
A closer look at one of the seal pups. Photo: NNP
2. My baby
The Atlantic grey seal is one of the rarest seal species and is a protected sea mammal. Photo: NNP
3. Off you go
A helping hand to get one of the new seal pups on the move. Photo: NNP
4. A pose for the cameras
The sighting of the first pup of the year triggers the start of the seal pup count by National Trust rangers on the islands, and they’ll be waiting to see if the upward trend continues. Photo: NNP