My Craghoppers, My Kiwis - Episode 4 - Eden Willmott
Eden is the Seal Hospital Keeper at Natureland Seal Sanctuary in Skegness where she runs the rehabilitation hospital. Eden specialises in nurturing injured or abandoned seals back to health to be released back into the sea once they reach their target weight. Natureland Seal Sanctuary rescue 60-70 seals every year and released their 1,000th seal back into the sea last summer. Natureland was established in 1965 and is owned by directors Matt and Daisy Yeadon.
Eden has been passionate about working with seals from a young age undertaking an internship in seal rehabilitation when she was 17 before going on to study a degree in zoology.
Seals are a keystone species which means they are extremely important for marine ecosystems. Seals are crucial for maintaining a balanced food web, meaning their absence could lead to an adverse radical change in the ecosystem. In the early 20th century, seals were subject to unrestricted hunting which drove many species into decline. Since then, the recognition of seals as integral parts of our marine ecosystems has become better known. We now have legislation introduced to protect seals. This alongside seal rehabilitation facilities has enabled the UK to now host 40% of the worldwide population of grey seals.
Eden has been wearing Craghoppers since she was younger, enjoying family hikes and treks. She has been able to take this love of the brand through to her career wearing Kiwi Pro’s every day due to their durability even describing them as seal proof!
