St Bees Head Nature Reserve

St. Bees is a great place to spot wildlife. Whether you are a serious birder or just enjoy the natural world on occasion, the coastal wildlife is very obliging. Follow the signs from the edge of the caravan site to take you to the cliffs.

The headland is an important habitat for seabirds and is the only cliff top nesting grounds for key species such as Guillemot and kittiwake in the North West. The RSPB own a nature reserve at St. Bees Head and this can be reached either by walking over Tomlin cliffs from the beach or via the village of Sandwith for a gentler walk.

As you approach you may be over taken by passing cormorants and other sea birds. There is no visitor centre, although you may sometimes find a volunteer at the view point. An information board will tell you about the key species. Even if you aren’t very knowledgeable about birds the sheer numbers make for a spectacular site and a great counting game for children. Take your binoculars and see how many species you can spot!

There is also the opportunity to spot birds like linnits and rock pippits. They may be harder to see but you should be able to hear them singing from the gorse in spring and summer.