Visitors to cliffs bird reserve pump £2m a year into East Yorkshire economy

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds report, Foundations for a Green Economy: Conservation and local employment across the UK, says that the nature reserve between Bridlington and Filey supports 51 jobs locally, 40 of which are supported directly by money spent by visitors.

The UK-wide study investigated how conservation and nature tourism create jobs and bring money into local areas.

In 2009, Bempton Cliffs welcomed more than 66,000 visitors who spent £1.8m with local businesses including restaurants, pubs and hotels.

The site manager at Bempton Cliffs, Ian Kendall, said yesterday: “Last year, Bempton Cliffs welcomed visitors from more than 20 different countries, all wanting to see this breathtaking wildlife spectacle and the amazing landscape.

“This year, events such as our puffin patrols and Tea with the Gannets have drawn in the crowds. These two series of events alone have been enjoyed by 1,400 people.

“We know that more and more people are discovering the amazing nature we have in the UK and a visit to a nature reserve is now a regular part of many family holidays.”

He added: “This report comes at a time when the Government is looking at how it can aid economic recovery by reforming the planning system to make development easier. What we have shown here is that when we build on our green spaces, rather than boosting our economy, we may be undermining it.”

The chief executive of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, Janet Reuben, added: “RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a fabulous attraction that delights many of this region’s visitors every year.”

The RSPB’s 200 reserves now attract two million visits a year, bringing an estimated £66m into their local communities and supporting 1,872 jobs.

Visits to RSPB reserves have also grown 38 per cent in the last five years.