Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve

Flamborough Cliffs reserve, part of the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and as a Special Protection Area for birds. The chalk cliffs, the most northerly in the UK are prone to erosion by the waves. Impressive bays, headlands, arches and caves have formed on the coastline here as a result of this erosion.

The reserve incorporates the sea caves as well as the cliff top, where there is a coastal grassland habitat. The sea caves provide a unique habitat where specialist algae and rare lichens grow. The cliff top grassland supports a varied flora with salt loving species such as salad burnet, harebell and pyramidal orchid thrive. Wet flushes on the slope support the northern marsh orchid and marsh marigold, species typical of chalk grassland are also found such as kidney vetch and thrift.

A fabulous reserve for watching seabirds, the perfect time to visit is in the spring and early summer. At this time hundreds of puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, fulmars and razorbills nest on the cliffs. Gannets may also be seen as they make their way to breeding grounds to the north-west of the reserve. On the cliff tops linnet and yellowhammer use the hedgerows; and corn buntings are seen around the reeds. In the more sheltered areas of the reserve butterflies are common including meadow brown and painted lady. Several species of bumblebee can also be found.

Holmes Gut receives regular mammal visitors like the bank vole, roe deer and fox. The grasslands atop of Flamborough Cliffs are managed by grazing with traditional hardy breeds of sheep and ponies. This is to control the dominance of course grasses and allow more interesting species to grow. The Trust promotes reed growth and stifles weed species by cutting the reedbeds on a rotation basis. Some management also occurs within Holmes Gut to maintain a mosaic of grassland and scrub.

Directions

Flamborough Cliffs nature reserve forms part of the Flamborough Headland on the east coast of Yorkshire, approximately four miles north-east of Bridlington. From Bridlington take the B1255 out of the town centre to Flamborough and follow the signs for North Landing. There is parking in a public pay-and-display car park at North Landing which gives access to both sections of the reserve. From the north turn left off the A165 coast road onto the B1229 which will take you to Flamborough via Bempton. Once in the village, follow the signs for North Landing, which takes you along the B1255 to the car park.