Nature Encounter: Close-Up with a Grey Seal on the River Dart

A recent outing on the River Dart provided an unexpected and captivating encounter with wildlife. On a calm morning, Tom Allan took to the water on a stand-up paddleboard, experiencing a rare moment as he spotted a grey seal just a few metres away. This encounter highlights the unique wildlife that inhabits this scenic region in Devon, England.

A Scenic Paddle on the River Dart

At 07:30, the weather broke from a series of storms, allowing Allan to navigate the tranquil tidal creek of the River Dart. The water’s surface was nearly still, marked only by the gentle pulse of the tide. As he ventured into the main river, the environment shifted dramatically; the current became stronger, carrying with it the debris from recent rainfalls in the Dartmoor area.

With a determined effort, Allan paddled against the flow, aiming to cover a few more challenging kilometres before relishing an easy glide back downstream. He focused intently on maintaining his momentum, bending low over his board to manage the waves and the push of the river.

A Close Encounter with Wildlife

During a brief respite, Allan glanced back and froze in surprise. A grey seal was following him, its deep, black eyes observing him with a sense of curiosity. While sightings of seals in this area are not uncommon, Allan had never been so close to one, prompting an instinctive urge to capture the moment on his phone. However, the swift current made him reconsider, and he chose instead to imprint the scene in his mind.

He noted the delicate bristles of the seal’s whiskers and the smoothness of its back, which bore a resemblance to the surface of the moon. Each breath the seal took caused its nostrils to flare, an intimate detail that added to the wonder of the encounter. In a heartbeat, the seal vanished, moving with a fluidity that seemed almost magical.

For a moment, Allan pondered the possibility of the seal swimming directly beneath him, gazing up through the murky water. Yet, with the current beginning to pull him toward the sea, he refocused on his paddling, determined to navigate safely upriver.

This experience underscores the remarkable wildlife present in the River Dart, a habitat where grey seals can often be seen following shoals of grey mullet upstream as far as Totnes. Such moments of connection with nature serve as a reminder of the beauty and spontaneity that the natural world can offer.

For those interested in exploring more about the natural beauty of the region, Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian’s Country Diary, 2018-2024 is available for purchase through Guardian Faber, providing further insights into similar experiences.