Situated between the iconic wildlife sites of Spurn Point and Bempton Cliffs, the East Yorkshire coastline defines large swathes of what makes the area so special. Our unique geology and positioning on the North Sea coast provide ideal habitats for globally important populations of cliff-nesting, wading, and shore birds; a route for migrant birds using the East Atlantic Flyway; seal haul-outs; porpoise, dolphin, and whale feeding grounds; fish and shellfish communities, and so much more in between.
We’re connected to the rest of the world by oceanic currents that sweep past our shores and the weather systems that roll in from all sides, guiding the mobile species that fly and swim incredible distances to visit our coastline. This variety of coastal habitats and species creates a hub for our nature-based economy and naturalist community. Flamborough and Spurn Bird Observatories, RSPB Bempton Cliffs, and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Spurn Point are renowned locations for birdwatchers and photographers from across the country. Bridlington is one of the most important harbours for shellfish landings in the UK, with lobsters and crabs enjoyed locally and exported to Europe.
Our coast is also home to thousands of people, many of whom are at risk of the impacts of climate change. As the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, this natural process, along with rising sea levels and tidal surges, is worsened by our changing climate. Nature recovery can present opportunities to mitigate some of these impacts while improving the coastal landscape. Inland communities are connected to past, present, and future coastal residents through our river systems and the Humber Estuary. The King Charles III England Coast Path, and its associated coastal margin, connects the East Yorkshire coastline with walking access to the rest of the England coast.
Gannet, Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Herring Gull, Red-throated Diver, Little Tern, Grey Seal, Common Seal, Harbour Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphin, Minke Whale, Blue Mussel, Common Lobster, and Edible Crab.
Chalk cliffs, coastal grasslands, rocky shore, sediment shore, dynamic coastal slopes, and intertidal kelp forests.
carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, flood mitigation, climate change adaptation, health and wellbeing, and tourism.
The chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head with their spectacular views, internationally important breeding seabirds, rich marine life, and flower-rich coastal grasslands, are one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is also one of the most important bird migration sites in the UK and supports historically rich, farmland bird populations.
On the very outer head, the 5 ha lighthouse grassland forms an integral part of the Flamborough Outer Headland Local Nature Reserve, located adjacent to the Flamborough Head SSSI clifftop grassland. However, the site had not been managed for at least ten years and had become dominated by a wildflower poor rank grassland and Bramble. Now, the Flamborough Bird Observatory and the Garganey Trust are working with ERYC, Natural England, and the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership to return the field and surrounding land on the Outer Head to conservation management, restoring the wildflower-rich coastal grassland and creating a mosaic of habitat for migrant and resident birds.
Pioneering work with local contractors and farmers has already created a wild bird crop providing essential food for local farmland birds, whilst on the adjacent rank grassland a robo-mower has helped bring the ever-expanding Bramble under control. Small wetland areas will add to the richness of habitats, and it is hoped wildflower-rich clifftop grassland can be restored.