Print page
School visits
29 March 2011
Mesmerising, breathtaking, amazing and awesome – just some of the words schools have used when they talk about a visit to Bempton Cliffs.
Every spring over 200,000 seabirds flock to the giant cliffs that are our nature reserve to begin the life-or-death struggle to raise their young on the narrow ledges. The only mainland seabird colony in the United Kingdom, it provides superb close-up views of breeding kittiwakes, fulmars, herring gulls, razorbills, guillemots, puffins and gannets.
On a visit to our fantastic reserve on the very edge of the coast, and only a handful of miles from Bridlington, Scarborough and Filey, you and your class are guaranteed a grandstand view as an amazing story unfolds.
From the cliff-top path and our special viewpoints, you'll experience the sights, the sounds – and the smells – of life in one of the UK's largest and most important seabird colonies.
Bempton provides the perfect setting for exploring a coastal habitat. The seabirds provide an up-close experience that can be used to explore topics such as habitats, food chains and adaptations. There are other topics that can be explored from the geology and land use of the area to the human impact on our marine environment.
When can we visit?
We recommend visiting on weekdays between mid March and the end of July. You should plan to spend a minimum of two hours, either in the morning or afternoon. Morning bookings usually start at 10am and afternoon bookings at 1pm, but no later than 2pm.
To get the best out of Bempton Cliffs, we strongly recommend that you make use of our education package. Group leaders are welcome to visit at any time of year to see where you will be working, carry out your own risk assessment, to finalise your programme or meet with our team.
What we offer
We offer a self-guided education package at Bempton Cliffs.
On your arrival, you will be welcomed by a member of staff who will give a brief talk on the RSPB, Bempton Cliffs and health and safety issues. We will provide binoculars, identification charts and a map of the reserve before you head off to explore the viewpoints.
At the viewpoints you will be met by our viewpoint guides who will help you identify and discover more about the birds and their life on the edge.
What should we bring?
You can bring up to 60 children.
All children need to bring suitable clothing for an outdoor field trip. Depending on the weather, each pupil should have a warm coat, hat and gloves, sun hat and sun screen and strong shoes or Wellington boots. We provide all materials including binoculars and identification sheets.
Costs
Individual charge of £3 per child. Teachers and helpers are free. £30 minimum charge applies if visit is cancelled within a month of arranged date.
Contact