Rare Bird of Prey Spotted Nesting on Bempton Cliffs for First Time
RSPB Bempton Cliffs has confirmed the first nesting pair of peregrine falcons on the famous East Yorkshire chalk cliffs in over 30 years, marking a significant conservation milestone.
The pair was spotted by volunteer wardens in January and has since been confirmed to be actively nesting on a ledge approximately 100 metres along the cliff face from the main viewing platforms.
A Historic Moment
Peregrine falcons last nested at Bempton Cliffs in the early 1990s, before disappearing from the site due to disturbance and the lingering effects of pesticide use in previous decades.
RSPB site manager Andy Sherwin said: "This is genuinely exciting news. Peregrines are the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of over 240mph in their hunting dives. To have them back at Bempton after three decades is a testament to the recovery of raptor populations across the UK."
Visitor Information
The RSPB has set up a dedicated viewing area with telescopes, allowing visitors to observe the peregrines without causing disturbance. A 200-metre exclusion zone has been established around the nest site.
What You'll See
Visitors to Bempton Cliffs in spring 2026 can expect to see:
- Peregrine falcons — the newest addition to the cliff's residents
- Over 500,000 seabirds — including gannets, puffins, razorbills, and guillemots
- The UK's only mainland gannetry — home to around 12,000 breeding pairs
Conservation Success
The return of peregrines to Bempton is part of a wider recovery story. The UK peregrine population has grown from just 360 breeding pairs in the 1960s to over 1,700 today, thanks to the banning of harmful pesticides and dedicated conservation efforts.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. Entry is free for RSPB members and £8 for non-members.