The Great Seal of the Realm is a seal that is used in the United Kingdom to symbolise the sovereign's approval of state documents. It is also known as the Great Seal of the United Kingdom (known prior to the Treaty of Union of 1707 as the Great Seal of England; and from then until the Union of 1801 as the Great Seal of Great Britain).

Two species of seal live in the UK and can be seen around our coasts and saltmarshes. Both of these species are regularly spotted alone foraging for food in the water or in larger groups …

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the grey seal breeds in several colonies on and around the coasts. Notably large colonies are at Blakeney Point in Norfolk, Donna Nook in Lincolnshire, the Farne Islands off the Northumberland Coast (about 6,000 animals), Orkney and North Rona.

The smaller of our two UK seal species, common seals are also known as harbour seals. Despite being called "Common", they are actually less common than grey seals!

The Great Seal of the Realm is the chief seal of the Crown, used to show the monarch's approval of important State documents. In today's constitutional monarchy, the Sovereign acts on the advice of the Government of the day, but the seal remains an important symbol of the Sovereign's role as Head of State.

There are two types of seal found around the British Isles – the common seal and the grey seal. Both are relatively common and are even seeing their numbers increase – an issue which some say is responsible for reducing fish stocks (read more about seals and sea fishing in this article).

Jun 13, 2023 · Seals. The UK is home to two species of native seal – the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina). Both species, as well as others, are protected in the UK (see...

The grey seal is the larger of the two UK seal species. If you catch a good look at them you’ll see how they got their scientific name Halichoerus grypus – it means hook-nosed sea pig! These mammals spend most of their time out at sea feeding on fish.

The UK and Ireland offer some of the best vantage points to admire both common and grey seals, with colonies dotting the beaches, islands, and sea lochs. From the hustle and bustle of Donna Nook to the remote solitude of Shetland, a diversity of memorable seal encounters await.

Britain is home to 36% of the world’s population of grey seals. The Norfolk coast is a popular breeding ground for the marine mammals, plus several sites in Cornwall and the Scottish …

Jan 8, 2025 · The UK is estimated to be home to around 5% of harbour seals globally, and amongst the UK population, around 80% are found in Scotland (the rest mainly seen on the east coast of England, and smaller numbers in Northern Ireland).

Mar 4, 2025 · Yes, you absolutely can find seals in the UK! In fact, the British Isles are home to thriving populations of both common seals (also known as harbor seals) and grey seals. These charismatic marine mammals can be spotted around the entire coastline, though their numbers and specific locations vary.

Where can you see seals in the UK? Seals can be found all around the UK coast, but mostly around the north and east. Common seals are found in Scotland, and our eastern and southeast coast whereas grey seals are found mostly around our northern, eastern and western coastlines.

Jul 24, 2024 · Since the reign of Edward the Confessor in the eleventh century, the Great Seals of the Realm have been used in Britain to symbolise the official will and authority of the monarch.

The Seal Conservation Society is UK/Ireland-based and so much of our own specialisation is on harbour (common) and grey seals, and much of our own personal focus is on seal conservation and welfare in the UK and Ireland.

Jun 16, 2024 · Seals are one of the most beloved marine animals in the UK, and for good reason. These playful and curious creatures can be found along the coast of the UK, and there are many great spots where you can see them in their natural habitat. Here are 12 of the best places to see seals in the UK. 1. Blakeney Point, Norfolk Image Credit: Shutterstock.

UK Seals (Pinnipeds) The taxanomic group Pinnipeds is made up of three families: The true seals (Phocidae), the Walrus (Odobenidae) and eared seals (Otariidae). Grey Seals and Common/Harbour seals which are the most frequently encountered in the UK belong to the Phocidae family.

The Seal Protection Action Group (SPAG) is dedicated to protecting seals and their environment worldwide, including the UK through public education, campaigning, and supporting non-invasive scientific research projects.

Jun 28, 2024 · The state seal of the UK is known as The Great Seal of the Realm. It is the chief seal of the Crown and is used to show the monarch’s approval of important State documents. In the UK’s constitutional monarchy, the Sovereign acts on the advice of …

Dec 8, 2024 · The vast majority of the harbour and grey seals found in UK waters live off Scotland. About a third of all grey seals in the world live in Scottish waters.