Make a Grandstand for Nature
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Make a Grandstand for Nature
Take a first look at our exciting plans for a new Wildlife Viewing Gallery at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
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Imagine standing above Bempton’s towering chalk cliffs, surrounded by the sights and sounds of thousands of seabirds, with spectacular views stretching along one of Yorkshire’s most dramatic coastlines. Every year, around half a million seabirds gather here to breed, creating one of the UK’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Now we’re excited to reveal the first concept designs for a spectacular new Grandstand Wildlife Viewing Gallery – and we’d love your help to make this vision a reality.
Take a look at our vision
Increasing cliff-top erosion following successive wet winters means the existing Grandstand viewpoint needs to be replaced. But we don’t want simply to replace what’s already there. Our ambition is to create something really special: a beautifully designed Wildlife Viewing Gallery that sits harmoniously within this extraordinary landscape and gives even more people the chance to experience Bempton’s internationally important seabird colony.
Award-winning design and engineering company structureHaus has created the first concept designs, inspired by the landscape and the shape of the cliffs themselves. And now that provisional planning permission has been approved, we’re stepping this project up a gear.
What could the new Grandstand bring?
Even more spectacular views
More perspectives and viewpoints across the cliffs, bringing visitors closer to the incredible spectacle of Puffins, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Fulmars.
A wildlife experience for more people
A larger viewing perimeter and improved pathways will help make this unforgettable experience accessible to everyone.
A design inspired by Bempton
The long-lasting cantilevered structure has been designed to sit harmoniously within its surroundings, following the form of the cliffs rather than competing with them. Transparent balustrades and stainless-steel mesh will help keep those breathtaking views centre stage.
Wildlife at its heart
Protecting Bempton’s wildlife and habitats will be central to every stage of the project. Construction will be carefully planned to minimise disturbance, with work carried out off-site wherever possible.
Helping us understand and protect our seabirds
The Grandstand isn’t just a place to enjoy the view. It’s also an important base for volunteers monitoring Bempton’s seabirds. The new viewing gallery will support this vital citizen science, helping us understand how these internationally important populations are changing.
A place that stays with you
For many of the more than 120,000 people who visit RSPB Bempton Cliffs each year, their first sight of the seabird colony is something they never forget. Standing high above the sea as thousands of birds fill the cliffs, skies and water below is an extraordinary experience – and one we want future generations to be able to enjoy too.
Dave O Hara, Senior Reserve Manager:
Bempton Cliffs is one of those places that stays with people forever. Standing on the cliff edge surrounded by thousands of seabirds is an unforgettable experience and for many visitors it’s their first real connection with nature on this scale. Our vision for a new wildlife viewing gallery will not only create better visitor access for all but create an even more immersive and inspiring experience for everyone who comes here.”
Can you help us turn the vision into reality?
We’ve launched our ‘Make a Grandstand for Nature’ appeal and we’re aiming to raise £85,000 towards the detailed design and next stages of developing this new wildlife viewing gallery. Your support will also help us unlock further funding to take this ambitious project forward. With your help, we can create an extraordinary new place to experience and protect Bempton’s seabirds for generations to come.
