Gareth Richards, founder of Gower Seal Group, is a familiar figure around Gower. He works with great dedication for the welfare of seals, delivering talks and appearing at shows – wherever he can – to spread the word. In this blog, he tells a little more about the background to the Save our Seals from Flying Rings campaign and updates us on its pathway along the road to success.
The start of the journey
As winter approaches, dark nights descend and holidaymakers a distant memory, there’s another flurry of activity around our Gower coastline. Visiting seals from across the Celtic Sea and beyond, will make their way to various natal sites to give birth to a youngster they’ve carefully carried for nearly a year.
Some, very few in fact, will remain locally as Gower has never really been a popular pupping location. Many will travel 100’s of kilometres to a sheltered cove or beach, where they will lovingly protect and nurture their pups in the coming weeks.
Since Gower Seal Group formed just over four years ago, I’ve been bowled over by that same protective desire of local people towards our visiting seals.
Are we collectively making a difference?
My answer is yes; we are.
I recall my first public talks delivered on the iconic Worms Head to many National Trust organised groups venturing out to the very end. Many were ticking off a desire from a bucket list; some were not just merely wanting a breathtaking adventure.
I soon realised these talks were more than just informational or entertaining; there was a public appetite, a desire to learn more about these intriguing animals. Little did I realise the extent or path that desire would take me.
Seals face many challenges in their lives all of which are human generated by us polluting our seas, the effects of climate change and human disturbance to name just a few.
But it is not all doom and gloom…far from it.
I recall cold calling at Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping Park and speaking to Tracey to see if I could leave some informational leaflets for holidaymakers to read. I noticed that her well stocked and colourfully presented shop included for sale the deadly flying ring!
These flying rings when discarded on our beaches cause curious seals much suffering when they get stuck over their heads and necks. Tracey, like many other retailers was totally unaware of this and my first success on Gower was Tracey refusing to sell any more by swapping to the seal safe solid disc frisbee instead.
That first visit was the start of a great friendship with Tracey and Ian and their selfless decision was a catalyst for others to follow across Gower and in fact, further afield.
The national campaign begins
More success arrived when Swansea Council were the first Local Authority in Wales to enter into a voluntary ban on the sale and use of flying rings…others are now following and I’m aiming for Wales to become the FIRST flying ring free country in the world.
We spearheaded the national campaign ‘Save Our Seals from Flying Rings’ which is gathering momentum across the UK. Already the campaign petition is heading towards 50,000 signatures so please use the QR code below to support us.
My talks expanded and no longer was my venue a wind-swept patch of grass on Worms Head. I was now regularly appearing in so many places I never knew existed and talking to a wide variety of groups across Swansea and Gower. I was bowled over by their generosity and desire to support an educational programme designed and delivered across a wide range of schools, colleges, scout groups and a university.
I have never financially benefited from delivering talks…. I don’t believe I should, as nature should be free to all. My reward is giving our seals a voice and gaining public support…that to me is Gold-dust.
Over the years, I have stood in front of 100’s of young people who have left with a handful of leaflets, stickers and certificates all paid for by the generosity and support of local people. A recent example was taking ten young ‘Ocean Guardians’ from Knelston School on a field trip out to that same patch of grass on Worms Head where I started my ‘new career’. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, excitement and love of being outdoors was mind-blowing.
The accompanying staff had an incredible relationship with these young people as we respectfully watched 17 resting seals in the warm autumn sunshine…a truly memorable day.
Returning to the mainland several hours later, they had all gained an additional title of ‘Junior Seal Ambassadors’ and I have no doubt they will truly fulfil their important new roles.
I believe in serendipity after that chance encounter with a young seal on Lundy nine years ago. I had no idea the effect that a seal would have on me or the wider community where I live. It has certainly shown to me that our communities are rich in good, honest people who value what we have on our doorsteps.
It has also introduced me to the many Groups and Community Centres across Swansea and Gower that are vital to people’s wellbeing.
In a world of uncertainty, instability and, at times, pure hatred there has never been such an important time for people to come together for the greater good.
So, to the many, many people I have had the pleasure to meet in my sealy journey, a HUGE thank you for being so caring and supportive.
Now, let’s get Wales to be that FIRST Country….it is so do-able!
Gareth Richards
Gower Seal Group