Rambling along the dramatic coastline via the Flamborough Heritage Trail, exploring the coves, stacks & caves at sea level or beachcombing for fossils & sea life, there is a wealth of exploration opportunities on the doorstep of the North Star.

The coastal cliffs between Reighton and Sewerby are composed of chalk and softer sedimentary rocks.

The cliff line exposes a variety of geological features and the chalk, which reaches 130m at Bempton, has been eroded to form impressive stacks and caves between North Cliff and Castlemere Hole. These rock exposures are also of interest in supporting important breeding bird colonies, whilst the cliff slopes support interesting plant communities.

Flamborough Head was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986 under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. It was then identified as a Special Protection Area (SPA) in 1993 and a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) in 1996. Flamborough Head is also a Heritage Coast. Its submerged chalk reefs, an unusual habitat in the British Isles, extend up to 6 km offshore.

Flamborough Cliffs is a spectacular reserve to visit at any time of year; the weather, sea and wildlife give you a different experience every trip. 

Whether you go there on a bright sunny day when the clear blue sea looks almost tropical and the sight, sounds and smell of thousands of nesting seabirds assaults your senses; or in winter with a raging sea echoing around the sea caves and a gale so strong you hardly dare walk close to the cliff top. These experiences are unrepeatable; you will not forget Flamborough Cliffs reserve easily.

Click to read more at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust