Flamborough Cliffs

Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, as part of Flamborough Head, is designated as a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), and is also a part of the Flamborough Head Heritage Coast. Flamborough Head is the most northerly location at which you can find coastal chalk cliffs in the UK.

Algal and lichen communities found within the sea caves in the cliffs are one of the less known reasons for the sites international importance. 20% of Flamborough Head’s breeding sea bird population can be found on the relatively short stretch of coastline of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve.

The best place to see puffins on the UK's mainland coast is at YWT's North Landing reserve. Huge colonies of guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes are also visible from clifftop vantage points. Superb rockpools and sea caves are revealed at low tide at North landing and Thornwick Bay plus regular boat trips (pre-booking essential) to view seabirds close up and learn about the chalk cliffs, sea caves and underwater reefs. The cliffs above the beaches host a huge variety of chalkland plants and butterflies. In winter, barn owls, stoats and weasels can often be seen hunting in daylight, and gannets and fumars start to return to the Headland in January, so there's plenty to see.

Flamborough Cliffs is a spectacular reserve to visit at any time of year; the weather, sea and wildlife give you a different experience every trip. Whether you go there on a bright sunny day when the clear blue sea looks almost tropical and the sight, sounds and smell of thousands of nesting seabirds assaults your senses; or in winter with a raging sea echoing around the sea caves and a gale so strong you hardly dare walk close to the cliff top. These experiences are unrepeatable; you will not forget Flamborough Cliffs reserve easily.