In a new first for nature here in the UK, the RSPB has struck up a critical new partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to establish a designated ‘Shorewatch’ site along Yorkshire’s Bempton Cliffs.

The marine conservation project will see 28 trained volunteers carry out structured ‘watches’ for the variety of marine wildlife populating the waters off east Yorkshire, including Minke Whales, dolphins, grey and harbour seals, as well as harbour porpoises.

It’s all part of a wider, national effort to monitor these marine mammals as increasingly they face the pressures of a changing climate, marine pollution, and other human-induced changes to their marine habitats. 

While seabirds have long been the stars of Bempton Cliffs – with over half a million nesting there each year – Shorewatch focuses on what lies beyond the cliffs. Cetacean sightings in the North Sea and the data gathered will help conservationists understand more about the species that live in and pass through these waters.

Already, the cohort of 28 Yorkshire volunteers have reached their first milestone of 100 ten minute watches, made across 51 different days since late February. At least one out of three species (bottlenose dolphins, porpoise, or grey seal) were spotted on 33 different days out of 80 days between February 25 and May 15.

Sightings have included 33 bottlenose dolphins on 22 different days, 19 harbour porpoises on 14 different days, and nine grey seals on nine different days. 

Susanna O’Neil, RSPB senior administrator and Shorewatch volunteer, brought the idea of making Bempton a Shorewatch location after completing an RSPB sabbatical spent in Shetland where she worked with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation team.

“There’s nothing like seeing your first bottlenose dolphin leap clear of the water and hearing the people around you gasp and cheer,” said O’Neill. “It’s magical and incredibly emotional. People often don’t realise there’s such phenomenal marine life off the Yorkshire coast.

“This is the first and foremost about conservation though. With climate change and human activity continuing to impact our seas, it’s more important than ever to gather reliable data on our marine wildlife. Shorewatch gives us a way to do just that – and as a seabird reserve, it’s a natural step to extend our gaze to the ocean.”

Shorewatch as a programme was created by Whale and Dolphin Conservation and has been in operation across Scotland and its islands since 2005. RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the first location in England to join the network.

In total, 100,000 surveys have been completed by WDC Shorewatchers over the last 20 years in Scotland. As well as providing useful data for conservation planning, the project aims to engage local people in the process of protecting and conserving the marine environment and the wellbeing of local whales and dolphins.

“It’s a real milestone to have England represented in our Shorewatch network, and Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire is the perfect location. The high cliffs give excellent visibility, and the volunteer team has been so committed,” said Katie Dyke, WDC Shorewatch coordinator. 

The data being gathered here will help strengthen our understanding of how cetaceans use the English coastline – and how best to safeguard them. Together, we’re not only recording vital data but also inspiring people to care about marine life on their doorstep.”

Situated on the Yorkshire east coast, around half a million seabirds, including gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills as well as around 3,000 puffins breed at RSPB Bempton Cliffs each year. In fact, its internationally important seabird population means it has special protection and is both a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and its European importance is recognised in its designation as a Special Protected Area.

Dave O’Hara, reserve manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, said: “This area is hugely important for marine mammals due to the frontal systems in the area bringing plentiful food supplies. Many feeding areas for seabirds and marine mammals overlap and data from projects such as this helps us understand how best to protect species dependent on the North Sea in the future.” 

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