First businesses sign up to Seal of Approval

Date published: 31st July 2024

Pantaloon of Sheringham was one of the first businesses to sign up to the Seal of Approval campaign. They received a certificate and window sticker to display in their storefront.

The Seal of Approval campaign is an extension of the Safer Seals awareness campaign, which is and has been instrumental in raising awareness of seals along our coastline through signage, social media campaigning, and advice to help protect them.

The campaign will further raise awareness and the importance of not having flying rings in our coastal environments working with local coastal businesses, asking them to sign up to Seal of Approval and stop stocking flying rings or other items in which seals may become entrapped or entangled.

Flying rings (hollow-centred frisbees) pose a danger to seals and wildlife, and their use should be avoided if possible or used considerately. Flying rings can catch the wind and be cast far out at sea, making it impossible to retrieve them.

Seals are naturally inquisitive creatures and may find themselves with these rings stuck around their necks, resulting in injury and death.

Businesses that agree not to sell flying rings or other items will be able to apply for a Seal of Approval certificate which they can display in their business window or somewhere prominently within their business and become an advocate for further seal safety.

If your business is interested in signing up to the Seal of Approval campaign, you can find out more here: www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/seals

Cllr. Adam Varley, portfolio holder for Climate Change and Net Zero, said:

“The Seal of Approval campaign will aim to work with local businesses and give them the opportunity to pledge to the stopping of plastic flying rings being sold and as such, ending up on our beaches. This will run alongside our Safer Seals awareness campaign.

"I thank Friends of Horsey Seals and other committed groups for all they do to protect seals. This authority is dedicated to working alongside these groups and helping to raise awareness on this very important matter.”

What should you do if you find a seal on one of our beaches:

• Keep your distance from any seal and move on quickly
• Stay on the landward side of the seals
• Don't approach a seal
• Keep dogs on leads

If you think one is genuinely in distress, call Friends of Horsey Seals on 07706 314514 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

Find out more about Seals in North Norfolk here: www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/seals