A bottlenose dolphin barrelling amongst the surf is an experience many would be surprised to learn can be found standing on a roadside footpath here in Scarborough, Yorkshire.

In 2023 there were 458 reported sightings of the group of dolphins, with a year-on-year increase in these numbers making the area one of the hotspots on the East Coast for viewing these specular cetaceans. 

Additionally, if you were to walk down Marine Drive up to lamppost number 54, you’d be in with a great chance of seeing Yorkshire’s most commonly seen cetacean, the smaller and more allusive harbour porpoise, just beyond the sea wall.

The waters around Scarborough and the East coast have recently had visitors of fin whales (the second largest mammal next to the blue whale), humpback whales, walrus, and so much more incredible wildlife.

Those with a good telescope or out on a boat may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse (or smell!) of the infamous ‘stinky’ minke whale further out sea, the smallest of the baleen whale family measuring up to only 10m in length.

These sightings and records are thanks to the incredible work and dedication of the Sea Watch Foundation volunteers based along the East Coast, and because of their work and input we are getting invaluable data about the numbers and distribution of cetaceans and other wildlife in the North Sea.

With our oceans changing as a result of climate change, it is vitally important to create snapshots of the states of our marine environment and the movement and habits of the wildlife living in it.

Sea Watch Foundation is a national charity working to conserve and protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises in British and Irish waters. Their work spans from scientific monitoring and citizen science surveys, to educating, informing, and advising the public, UK government and international bodies.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been working with Sea Watch through the Wild Eye project to increase public awareness of their incredible work, and the spectacular cetaceans to be found in and around Scarborough.

Wild Eye aims to foster a greater understanding of the incredible wildlife found across the North Yorkshire Coast, raising awareness of issues around nature, biodiversity and climate change through an exciting art and nature programme in Scarborough.

Working with Stuart Baines, long-standing Sea Watch Foundation volunteer, area coordinator, and editor for the very informative Scarborough Porpoise Facebook page, Wild Eye has been running sea watching events throughout the year along Marine Drive with members of the public and sea watch volunteers.

Sea watching events are open to all, and by attending one of our free sessions people can expect to have a fantastic experience learning more about the species to be found off the coast of Scarborough and how they can contribute further with Sea Watch Foundation.

Through Wild Eye there also will be an accessible sea watching station installed along Marine Drive by early next year, where anyone can make use of free telescopes and access information about the wildlife to be seen.

For information about joining one of these events, keep an eye out for updates on our Wild Eye website and subscribe to our community newsletter.

Wild Eye is delivered by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Invisible Dust in partnership with North Yorkshire Council.