27 stunning photos capturing the seabird spectacle at Bempton Cliffs

High above the North Sea, the chalk cliffs of Bempton provide one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife sights.

Each spring and summer, hundreds of thousands of seabirds return to the towering cliffs on the East Yorkshire coast to breed. Among them are around 20,000 Gannets, whose striking white plumage and black-tipped wings make them one of the most recognisable sights at the RSPB’s Bempton Cliffs reserve.

The Gannets form the largest breeding colony of their kind on the UK mainland. With wingspans reaching almost two metres, they can be seen soaring above the sea, wheeling around the cliffs and returning to their nesting sites. But Gannets are only part of the spectacle. Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Fulmars also crowd the cliffs during the breeding season, while the arrival of Puffins has become one of the highlights for visitors.

As summer comes to an end, the cliffs gradually become quieter — but Bempton remains a spectacular destination throughout the year. Autumn brings changing landscapes, different wildlife and a programme of events including wreath-making, photography workshops and golden-hour walks. Visit https://events.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs to find out more.

Take a look at these fantastic photos showcasing the soaring birds and dramatic landscapes that make Bempton one of the UK's great coastal wildlife destinations.