RSPB Bempton Cliffs

What will students see and do?

One of the most remarkable wildlife phenomena in the UK takes place at Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast each year. On a nature reserve overlooking the North Sea, hundreds of thousands of marine birds raise their offspring.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) offers a series of workshops on-site – ideal for science, history and geography trips – that enable students to experience this event up close.

There are eight main species of birds which nest at the site in the summer months. Students can spot fulmars, gannets, guillemots, herring gulls, kittiwakes, puffins, razorbills and shags.

They will experience birds bringing food to their nests, and chicks taking their first flights. It’s also an opportunity to explore different habitats and food chains, and to learn about the adaptation of species.

There are six viewpoints from which to take in the sights of the cliffs, and the two walking trails are open every day. The Cliff Top Trail is two miles long and winds through clifftop habitats, taking in all six viewpoints. The Nature Trail is half a mile long and is intended for spotting smaller birds on the grassland and scrub habitats. The visitor centre has information for students about the cliffs and the wildlife living there.

The workshops last two hours, running either as a morning or afternoon session. It’s also possible to combine two activities to create a full-day visit. As well as the learning outcomes achieved on the day of the visit, the education team can support teachers with ongoing learning when children return to the classroom.

The centre at Bempton Cliffs has been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, in recognition of the standard of education delivered during the workshops.

From Bempton Cliffs, groups are also well positioned to visit the nearby North York Moors National Park.

Those unable to attend the nature reserve in person can engage with the RSPB’s Wild Challenge. This is an award scheme comprising 24 activities, divided into the categories ‘Experience nature’ and ‘Help nature’. The scheme is designed to help students achieve curriculum outcomes through outdoor learning.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

RSPB Bempton Cliffs’ workshops link to curricular outcomes spanning the EYFS to Key Stage 3.

EYFS & Key Stage 1

In the Brilliant Birds activity, pupils start by identifying the survival requirements shared by all living things. Next, they look at the identifying features of different types of birds and their behaviours. Finally, on a nature discovery walk, they see which birds they can spot.

On the Seasonal Sensory Walk, pupils use their senses to search for indications of the current season, including plants and animals. They also consider how to identify different seasons, based on factors like hours of daylight and weather.

Key Stage 2

In the Discovering Birds activity, pupils go on a nature walk to see which birds they can find. They consider how birds adapt for survival, including communication and what they eat. Finally, students, create a food chain featuring the birds they’ve seen.

Investigating Coasts introduces pupils to studying the features of a coastline and the natural processes that created them. Creating a field sketch of the coastline, they label the features, identifying any wildlife they see. Finally, students consider how humans impact the coast and why there is a need to defend coastlines.

Key Stage 3

Using a combination of fieldwork techniques, the Geographical Fieldwork activity sees students identifying the interaction of humans and landscapes. They explore different areas of the reserve to see how people have impacted the area and consider how this is managed.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

A site-specific risk assessment, covering the facilities and all taught activities, will be sent to you after the booking process is complete. It’s also recommended that you complete your own risk assessment.

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