Bird charity offers chance of seabird cliffside cruise

Staff from the RSPB at Bempton Cliffs nature reserve, near Bridlington, are launching a series of three-hour cruises on Saturday which will give people the chance to experience the sights and sounds of thousands of gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins.

The cruises on board the MV Yorkshire Belle will leave Bridlington at 9.30am and pass under the chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head before sailing up to the reserve.

Volunteers from the RSPB's East Yorkshire Local Group will be on board offering expert commentary, pointing out the different birds and answering questions.

Cruise co-ordinator Kim Smales said: "Unless you have been on one of these cruises before, you cannot begin to imagine the atmosphere and noise of being among hundreds of thousands of seabirds.

"Watching the clouds of kittiwakes and guillemots heading back to their hungry young on the cliff ledges, the colourful puffins bobbing along in the water by the side of the boat and even just hearing the noise from all these birds – particularly the kittiwakes – creates the most wonderful atmosphere.

"Add to that the incredible view of the dramatic 400ft chalk cliffs beneath Flamborough Head and you'll begin to appreciate what a wonderful experience this can be."

The cruises leave Bridlington Harbour at either 9.30am or 4.30pm depending on the tide and will run most weekends until July 10. Tickets cost 15 per adult, 7.50 per child under 14 or 37.50 for a family ticket.

The RSPB is spending more than 1m on the site, which already attracts 45,000 visitors a year from the UK and Europe.

New features will include catering facilities and space for exhibitions and events.