Coastal Nature Reserves
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages over 80 nature reserves, several of which are located along the fantastic east coast.
Flamborough Cliffs
Flamborough Cliffs Spectacular chalk cliffs provide nesting sites for internationally important numbers of sea birds, whilst the influence of the chalk bedrock and salt spray produces an interesting variety of maritime and chalk grassland plants.
FlamboroughFlamborough Cliffs reserve forms part of the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast. The site's international importance is underlined by its designation as a candidate Special Area for Conservation and as a Special Protection Area for birds. The reserve forms a transition from the sea caves, providing a unique habitat for specialised algae and rare lichens, to the coastal grasslands on the cliff tops. Erosion by the sea has formed impressive bays, headlands, arches and caves in the chalk cliffs.
Large numbers of seabirds nest here in the spring and summer, with fantastic views of puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars from the cliff top path. It is also an important feeding and sheltering point for migratory birds, and fieldfares and redwings can be seen in their hundreds. In the summer, small tortoiseshell, meadow brown and painted lady butterflies as well as several species of bumblebee may be found in the sheltered areas.
Spurn Point
A National Nature Reserve and unique coastal site, this long and narrow sandy peninsula provides perfect opportunities for watching birds.
Spurn from the air is well worth the journey to this fascinating curving spit of land which stretches for three and a half miles across the mouth of the mighty River Humber; it has fine views, sand dunes and bracing walks. Formed 10,000 years ago after the retreat of the ice cap, the peninsula is made of debris washed down by the action of wind and water from the soft clay cliffs to the north. It is constantly being eroded and reformed subsequently its fragile nature means that to a great extent it is inhabited by wildlife that thrives on, or exploits, the changing conditions.
As a place to watch birds and their migration, Spurn is incomparable; as well as migrants, there are large numbers of wintering and passage waders and wildfowl and the ever present likelihood of rarities. It is also important for many species of insects and plants.
The North Sea Wildlife website!
