RSPB Bempton Cliffs

The East Riding of Yorkshire is not an area you would normally associate with large cities but just to the north east of the village of Bempton lies one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom. This city is, however, populated with seabirds rather than humans.

Bempton Cliffs tower 100m above sea level in places and run for around 10km from Flamborough Head in the south to Filey in the north. The RSPB reserve of Bempton Cliffs is a short section of this length but it crams in a huge amount of interest. These chalk cliffs transform every spring into a metropolis of almost half a million birds who travel there to breed.

It has been on our list of places to visit for a number of years now and when we arrived on a bright sunny day in May, it didn't disappoint. The cliffs were covered with thousands of Razorbill, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and even the odd Puffin, but the real stars of the show are the Northern Gannets. Bempton Cliffs are the only mainland colony of Gannets in the UK.

Probably my favourite seabird, these huge birds with their 2m wingspan, snow white plumage highlighted by black wingtips and yellow heads, soar around above your head providing you with incredible up close views. Witnessing their breathtaking aerial displays as they plunge-dive into the sea at breakneck speeds to catch fish is an awe-inspiring sight.

Seeing how all the birds crowd onto the cliff face is amazing, if a little baffling, as you wonder how on earth they manage to hold on let alone lay eggs on it. The Guillemot in particular favours very narrow ledges and its blue and brown speckled egg is actually elongated to stop it rolling around and off the ledge. Each egg has a unique pattern particular to that bird so they have no trouble finding it in amongst the thousands of others.

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) manages Bempton Cliffs, ensuring responsible public access and prioritising the well-being of the birdlife. A network of well-maintained viewing areas allows visitors to observe the colony from a safe distance, minimising disturbance to the nesting birds. Three of these viewpoints are fully accessible, catering to visitors with mobility limitations.

For those seeking an even closer encounter with the avian residents, RSPB Seabird Cruises offer a unique perspective. Departing from Bridlington Harbour, these boat trips provide an unforgettable opportunity to witness the colony from the vantage point of the sea. Watching Gannets soar overhead and marvelling at the sheer density of birdlife on the cliffs from a different angle is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Sadly our trip was cancelled due to bad weather, but rest assured we will be back to try again soon.

It is not just seabirds that can be found at Bempton Cliffs, due to its location on the east coast, it is a favourite landing spot for arriving migrant birds and you can see Spotted Flycatchers, Pied Flycatchers, Swallows, Warblers of all types and even Short Eared Owls. Skylarks, Corn Buntings and Linnets nest in the grasslands behind the cliffs during the summer months and Kestrel and Barn Owls also hunt over the grassland. As we were leaving at the end of our visit we were lucky to see the local Barn Owl in the distance so make sure you keep your eyes peeled inland as well as out to sea.