Bempton Cliffs is the only place in England where gannets breed in the wild.
The colony is home to the UK's largest seabird nesting population.
Tree sparrows, a declining species in the UK, find sanctuary in the reserve's hedgerows.
Short-eared owls are frequently spotted hunting over the clifftop grasslands in winter.
The chalk cliffs are part of a geological formation that stretches towards Flamborough Head.
Seabirds typically begin arriving at the cliffs in late January to claim nesting ledges.
Puffins at Bempton are generally present from mid-April through July.
The reserve has been protected by the RSPB since 1969.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the UK's most significant mainland breeding colony for seabirds, located on the chalk cliffs of the East Yorkshire coast. The site supports over 250,000 nesting birds, including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. The reserve features a network of clifftop paths leading to six dedicated viewing platforms that extend over the cliff edge. The chalk cliffs reach heights of up to 100 metres above the North Sea. It is a premier location for spotting migratory birds during the spring and autumn months. The site includes a visitor centre with an exhibition area, a shop, and a café. Habitats at the site include chalk grassland, which supports diverse wildflower species and butterflies.
Grandstand Viewpoint, which offers the closest and most expansive perspective of the main gannet colony.
Use binoculars to spot individual species on the cliff face, as the birds often nest far below the viewing platforms.
Bring windproof clothing, as the exposed clifftop environment is significantly colder than inland areas.
Check the daily 'sightings board' in the visitor centre upon arrival to see what species have been spotted that morning.
Do not attempt to climb down the cliffs to the beach, as the chalk is unstable and the terrain is dangerous.
The reserve is open year-round, though visitor centre facilities may have reduced operations during winter months.
Keep to the designated paths to protect fragile cliff edges and ground-nesting birds; do not use drones.
