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Puffin Patrols are go - track down the Bempton favourites
Last modified: 30 May 2012
This year, to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, there’ll be special ‘Puffin Processions’ for all the family to enjoy.
Visitors to RSPB Bempton Cliffs often have just one request... to see the puffins – so a new programme of Puffin Patrols has been launched, specially to help them find the cliffs’ cheekiest residents.
Youngsters can get kitted-out with a Wildlife Explorer backpack and head out over the reserve, which lies between Filey and Bridlington. An RSPB patrol guide will lead the way, keeping a sharp look-out for these much-loved favourites. Though, if the puffins are playing hard to get, there are 200,000 other equally impressive seabirds to have a look at as well.
Once they’ve been tracked down, fans can watch their heroes nest-building or feeding their young , snuggling down on the sheer cliff sides or frantically flapping above them.
For grown-ups on the adventure, this is a chance to get some answers to any burning puffin questions, as well as some stunning photographs.
Allan Dawson is a long-time RSPB volunteer and has been involved in these popular events for several years: “Joining a patrol is a wonderful chance to see puffins as they go about their daily lives.”
This year, to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, there’ll be special ‘Puffin Processions’ for all the family to enjoy. On Monday 4 June, there’ll be celebratory walks throughout the day, with the chance for children to make a crown and take home a royal goody bag fit for a king or queen.
On the same day, the patrols for adults will include a talk about how the puffins’ stay on the reserve has changed over the past 60 years. And, in honour of the Queen’s big day, cake will be served to round off a very special stroll along the cliff tops. And there’ll be a cake stall for those who want to take home an extra slice or two.
Regular Puffin Patrols run on the following dates at 10am and 2pm:
June: Sat 9, Wed 13, Sat 16, Wed 20, Sat 23, Wed 27, Sat 30.
July: Sat 7, Wed 11.
Evening patrols (run by Yorkshire Coast Nature): Mon and Thurs from 4 June to June 26 at 6.30pm
Jubilee Day patrols: Mon 4 at: 10am, 2pm (adults) and 11am, 1pm, 3pm (family) and 6.30pm.
The cost is £2 and booking, on 01262 851179, is essential.
More information can be found at: www.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs and www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk
How you can help
Love nature? Then tell us what slithers, tweets, forages and snuffles in your garden in our brand new wildlife survey. The big count begins on 2 June!
Make Your Nature Count!