Cumbria Wildlife Trust has shared its coastal highlights of the year, showcasing successes in conservation, community engagement and wildlife protection. Record grey seal numbers at South WalneyA record 563 grey seals were counted at South Walney Nature Reserve near Barrow at the start of the year, using a drone. Marine Conservation Officers Amber Gould and Beth Churn have led the project, training volunteers to transplant seeds into areas where seagrass has been lost. Unusual marine wildlife sightingsBrittle stars and sunstar (Image: Dan Bolt)Several notable marine sightings were recorded in 2025. Cumbria Wildlife Trust advised that while barrel jellyfish are not usually harmful, they should not be handled as they can still sting when dead.

Source: The Times December 23, 2025 12:02 UTC