Aren't birds brilliant > Sites > Seaford kittiwake colony

Seaford kittiwake colony

25 June to 10 August

Binoculars or telescopes available for use RSPB staff on hand to help Refreshments available Car parking available Toilets Disabled access

Every spring and summer, kittiwakes visit our shores to build their nests and raise young.

Get incredible close-up views of these medium-sized, elegant gulls, and their adorable chicks, at possibly the UK's most accessible kittiwake colony.

At our free viewpoint watch the adults returning from fishing trips with stomachs full of fish and shrimp to feed their hungry young.

You'll also get the chance to see the growing families at their nests, and might even be lucky enough to catch some of the youngsters first flights.

Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you learn more about these amazing gulls, as well as the other birds that make this cliff their home, including fulmars, peregrines, crows, herring gulls and cormorants. We have also occasionally seen gannets passing off the coast.

Brilliant to see the young in the nest so close you feel you could touch them.

Mrs K Krelle from Newhaven

Opening times

Staff and volunteers will be at the viewpoint daily, 10 am-5 pm.

Facilities

There are telescopes and binoculars available for free use at the viewpoint.

How to get there

By cycle
The colony is adjacent to the national cycle route NCR2 which connects, via Newhaven and the Cuckoo Trail, to all parts of the UK.

By rail
Frequent services run from Brighton, London and Eastbourne via Lewes. The viewpoint is 10 min walk from station.

By bus
Frequent (from every 10 mins) services run from Brighton and Eastbourne to Seaford.

By car
We would ask that due to the growing congestion problem at Splash Point, and on the approach roads to Seaford, that you only drive to the viewpoint if totally necessary.

Follow A259 into Seaford and follow 'free kittiwake viewpoint' signs to the seafront. Turn onto the seafront and continue into the car park at end of road. RSPB arrows will direct you to the viewpoint at Splash Point at the end of the promenade by the cliffs.

What should I bring?

Don't forget your sun cream and water.

Enquiries

Telephone: RSPB South East Regional office on 01273 775333
E-mail: kate.whitton@rspb.org.uk

Why not make a day of it?

Newhaven Tide Mills and Cuckmere Haven are both within 5 miles of the Seaford kittiwake viewpoint.

Links to other things on the RSPB website

Fulmar (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Herring gull (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Kittiwake (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Peregrine (from our A to Z of UK birds)
Adur Estuary (from our A to Z of Reserves)

This project runs with kind permission from Lewes District Council.