Bempton Cliffs - The Gift that just keeps Giving

Some places never seem to lose their magic, no matter how many times you visit. For Alison and me, Bempton Cliffs is one of those places. We've been fortunate enough to spend many days there over the years, but a week there last month simply reinforced why we keep returning.

Sea mist rising above the cliffs

This is one of the very best times of year to visit Bempton. The cliffs are at their busiest, with thousands of birds filling every available ledge. While some Gannets are still strengthening their pair bonds, many others are already busy raising chicks. It's a wonderful time to watch the constant comings and goings as adults return from the North Sea, beaks crammed with fish, greeted by eager youngsters demanding their next meal. The whole colony seems alive with noise, movement and purpose, providing endless opportunities for observation and, of course, photography.

Gannet Courtship

Gannets bonding through the courtship of ‘billing'

It wasn't just about the cliffs, though. The surrounding paths and hedgerows were full of life too, with butterflies enjoying the summer sunshine and small birds providing welcome photographic opportunities between visits to the viewpoints. It's one of the many reasons Bempton offers so much more than a seabird colony.

Ringlet

Large Skipper

One of the highlights of the week was joining a boat trip beneath the cliffs. Watching Gannets plunge from the sky after fish was breathtaking. Their precision, speed and sheer athleticism are astonishing, and photographing these spectacular dives from sea level was an unforgettable experience.

Gannet entering the water

Gannets squabbling over a catch

The weather couldn't have been kinder. While much of the country sweltered in the summer heat, the Yorkshire coast enjoyed glorious sunshine tempered by a cooling sea breeze, making long days with the camera an absolute pleasure. Every now and then a gentle sea mist was lifted up the face of the cliffs by the breeze, briefly softening the dramatic white chalk and creating a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop to the bustling seabird colony.

Kittiwakes defending their ledge from intruding Razorbills

Puffin

Returning to the cliffs with fish

After another memorable week, we returned home with full memory cards, tired legs and big smiles. Bempton never disappoints. Every visit offers something different, whether it's spectacular seabird action, delicate butterflies, hedgerow wildlife or simply the chance to spend time in one of Britain's finest coastal landscapes. It really is the gift that just keeps giving.

Gannet with nest repair material

Razorbill in flight

Whitethroat

If you've never visited Bempton in the breeding season, put it on your list. You won't regret it