Bempton Cliffs and the Bird Reserve :
The cliffs rise even higher out of the
sea at nearby Bempton, which is the site of
the famous RSPB Bird Sanctuary. An
awe-inspiring sight, the sheer cliffs are
home to many species. In particular, during
the season puffins may be seen in large
numbers, in addition to the thousands of
other nesting birds who make this the
largest such colony in England. Constant
pounding by the North Sea has eroded the
soft chalk, creating many unusual
formations, secret caves (a past haven for
smugglers), and secluded bays and inlets,
including the picturesque North Landing
where the old Flamborough Lifeboat was
housed at the top of steep slipway.
The following information is reproduced
from the Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds' web-site:
"With over three miles of sheer cliffs,
rising to 400 feet/122 m, Bempton is the
best place in England to see breeding
seabirds (over 200,000). Five safe viewing
points give spectacular close-up views of
puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills,
kittiwakes and fulmars between April and
mid-August. At other times there are
migrating birds to be seen and possibly
seals and porpoises. The shop has an
extensive range of RSPB goods and books."
The Reserve is open at all times, while
the Visitor centre is open from 10 am to 5
pm March to November, and 9.30 am to 4 pm
December to February (Closed 24 December to
3 January).
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