All images and text © ADRIAN WINTER 2008.

Blackpool College runs an annual field trip to Donna Nook in Lincolnshire for first year BA wildlife photography students, usually in December. Donna Nook is the place for grey seals but only at weekends as the area of beach they occupy is part of a military firing range during the week. This actually ensures that the seals are left largely undisturbed for much of the time; seals too close to the targets are moved off before any firing begins. The weather on the Lincolnshire coast in December can be extreme, the sand bar that the seals use to pup is a stiff walk out from the car park and the wind can end up sandblasting your lenses as well as your face. We were very fortunate and  had a rare calm and sunny day, this not only brought out the best in the beautiful fur of the seal pups but also scores of visitors. As you looked down the beach all you could see were seals and tripods.

The seals, like any wild animal, should always be treated with respect. The pups are fairly easy to get close to and will even approach you if you remain in one place for a while but never get between a pup and its mother and at any sign of distress from mum or pup you should retreat; the welfare of the animal always comes first. The thing to avoid for your own safety is getting in the way of a couple of big males intent on a fight as they will stop at nothing and weigh about a ton. I feared for the safety of my camera bag at one time as a male seemed to have taken a fancy to it!