Welcome to Cwmtydu-Bay-Wildlife

The aims of Cwmtydu-Bay-Wildlife.org are; To advance the education of  visitors on Atlantic Grey Seals, their habitat, and conservation, as well as introducing visitors to other wildlife in the local area. To observe, and monitor the seals, and to record the behaviour patterns of family groups of seals, in the area, during the pupping season.       *********************************************************** In 2004 it was decided after taking advice we decided to put the signs out before there was any seals to be seen on the beach, we give the reasons behind this decision as; The increased numbers of visitors accessing the beach and the water, at any other time this is not a problem, but the male had began to set up his territory, and the females were beginning to take a keen interest in the beach. It was felt that the seals could be prevented from accessing the beach and would be forced to chose a less safe site, (safe as in offering shelter from high tides and rough seas).  A female seal came towards the beach and was disturbed by people trying to get too close, she retreated to one of the sea caves, where we heard the cries of a pup for a few days, until following a storm they were no longer heard.  During 2004 our volunteers met with hundreds of visitors and locals who were only too happy to respect the Seals' need for a safe area for the pups. It is never our intention to offend anyone, when asking people to stay off the beach during this time, and we apologise if we have offended anyone unknowingly with the wording on some signs provided to us in 2004. Our volunteers were there to give information to visitors, and to ensure the welfare of the seals. The comments in the visitors book and your emails are most encouraging, and our volunteers will return to do it all again next season. This link will take you to pictures of 2004. We are always in need of volunteers..........if you live locally, like talking to people and can spare a few hours a week during August to October, please contact ; cwmtydu.support THE HISTORY OF CWMTYDU-BAY-WILDLIFE.org In 2001 we collected a petition containing over 300 signatures, and presented this feedback to local council officers, to ask for a sign, restricting the area surrounding the pups. In September 2002, the council put a sign up, but the position, and size of the sign was of little help, in restricting the public's access to the beach. In 2003 Ceredigion County Council generously provided us with 3 A3 information boards, which we were able to position at both sides of the car park, and one along side the river. These were of great use, as it gave volunteers time to talk with visitors, and helped to enforce our request for people not to use the beach. By staying in the car park area, visitors were witness to amazing sights of the seals and the pups. We had three pups born 2003. The first being born in one, of the caves, early September, and hardly being seen on the beach at all. The other two, were born about the 7th, and 10th of September, and were on the beach from day one. Pup '2' was always on a head start, and really took to the sea. Pup '3', as visitors know gave us some concerns. The pup was born during the high tides, and was unfortunate to be swept out in the surf. The pup was swiftly rescued by 'mum', but appeared to be scared of the water. This meant the pup was not only, not feeding well (the mothers encourage the pups into the sea by feeding them at the edge of the sea), but not gaining the swimming skills it will need in life. When the mothers stop feeding the pups, which is natural after about 10 days. The pups are then left on the beach. The mothers have to leave the area, to feed themselves. They can lose about half their own body fat during lactation (feeding the pup). The females 'cows' mate with the male 'bull' shortly after giving birth. The 'bull' mates with all the females, in turn. This 'bull' has quite a few scars from fights both with other males, and with the females. In 2003 we were fortunate to witness the mating between the bull and the females, actually take place, on the beach. This proves that the Seals feel comfortable in our presence, and that provided we remain off the beach, and reasonably quiet, the Seals carry on as if we were not there, feeding the pups, bonding with the pups, the pups sleep, and even adults mating. As in previous years we witnessed the male looking after the pups, once the females had left the area. This is something we witness, that is not known generally. We are learning about different behaviours, not previously known about in Grey Seals, just by watching, and not disturbing them. The pup did make it into the sea, and did not need our intervention. All three pups safely left the beach, although 'pup 2' and 'pup 3', continued to return for almost a week, to sleep on the beach. The first few months of life are hard for all seal pups, as with all animals, they have to find enough food to survive on their own. The local authorities have now recognised this area as special, and are actively supporting our efforts. We aim to make it a rewarding experience for all, visitors, locals, and volunteers. We request any visitors to the area, to be aware of the seals especially at this time of year. To keep a distance, to keep dogs on a lead, and keep disturbance to a minimum. With everyone's help the seals will continue to return for many more years.

Seals can be seen all year, but more often from spring onwards.  As you walk the cliffs you can see, not only the seals, but dolphins, and the other marine life present in the sea. Raptors such as Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel and Peregrine can be seen in the sky, and sea birds including Great and lesser Black backed Gulls, Gannets, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill use the cliffs for nesting.  Choughs and other birds are seen along the cliffs.

The area is within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. It is a SSSi site, and part of the land is a National Trust site. Other places to see Seals are;  Cardigan Island Farm Park, Gwbert;  Birds Rock, near New Quay;  and off Ynys Lochtyn, near Llangrannog.

 

If you are concerned about the welfare of a seal; Please keep your distance, and keep dogs well away Watch from a distance, pups may look abandoned, but the mother is usually close by in the sea. The mother may abandon her pup pup if disturbed, and this could result in the death of the pup Do not touch..Adult seals can cause serious injury, and pups can and will BITE Do not attempt to return it to the sea If you think any seal is sick or injured, leave it alone and contact.... Welsh Marine Life Rescue & Seal Hospital 01646 692943 or 07970 285056

The WMLR is staffed by volunteers, including Veterinary surgeons, who donate their time, and energy to the rescue of stranded marine life, along the Welsh coastline.

If you are interested in what happens to these sick, injured or abandoned seals, you can visit Terry Leadbetter at WMRL seal hospital. Please contact him to arrange suitable times.