Words of inspiration at nature reserve

Pat Borthwick, writer in residence at Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, near Bridlington, is inviting visitors to take part in Wingbeats, creative writing workshops being held from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, on Sunday.

Writer and theatre director Adam Strickson will be delivering two Word Flight workshops, from 10.00am to noon, and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, next Wednesday.

The site, run by the RSPB, is one of the largest seabird nesting sites in the UK and is bordered by dramatic chalk cliffs rising above the North Sea.

RSPB spokesman Steve Race said: "From the experiences we have out on the reserve we hope to capture these fleeting, beautiful and humorous moments in words.

"We'll listen to some ancient and modern writing about seabirds before having a go at writing ourselves.

"It might be short poems or lengthier prose. Bempton Cliffs is such an amazing place that it can't fail to inspire everyone who takes part, even those with absolutely no experience of this kind of writing."

The workshops start with a guided walk around the reserve, giving those taking part the opportunity to look closely at seabirds and other wildlife.

The activities are suitable for anyone aged over six, cost 2 per person and should be booked in advance. To book a place or find out more call the visitor centre on 01262 851179.

Scientists from the RSPB are currently monitoring Kittiwakes at the site to find out why numbers declined by more than 50 per cent over the last 20 years – down from 85,000 pairs to less that 38,000.