RSPB Bempton Cliffs has recorded its 1,000th marine mammal watch, just 16 months after becoming the first official Shorewatch location in England.

Shorewatch is a citizen science programme run by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation of whales and dolphins. A new partnership between RSPB Bempton Cliffs and WDC was launched in March 2025 and has since seen a dedicated team of twenty trained volunteers carry out regular surveys from the reserve's dramatic clifftop viewpoints.

Since launching, volunteers have completed an impressive 1,000 ten-minute ‘watches’, and recorded a total of 505 marine mammal ‘sightings’ comprising 2,384 individuals (one ‘sighting’ might include more than one individual, for example a pod of 12 dolphins). In total there were 2,221 adult mammals seen and 163 young. These records include sightings made during Shorewatch ten minute surveys as well as additional sightings reported outside of formal watch periods by trained volunteers.

Species recorded included (totals may include repeat observations of certain individuals over the year):
bottlenose dolphin – 1,896 individuals observed
harbour porpoise – 341 individuals observed
minke whales – 50 individuals observed
grey seals – 96 individuals observed
humpback whale – 1 individual observed

While Bempton Cliffs is best known for its Gannets, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills, the Shorewatch project focuses attention on the rich marine environment beyond the cliffs and the species that depend upon healthy seas.

Susanna O’Neill, RSPB Senior Administrator and a Shorewatch volunteer, brought the idea of making Bempton a Shorewatch location back with her after completing an RSPB sabbatical spent in Shetland where she worked with the WDC team and took part in watches herself.

Susanna said:"Reaching 1,000 watches is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication of our volunteers. The number of bottle nosed dolphins we’ve seen has been staggering. It has been somewhat of a surprise but just goes to show what more eyes on the sea can reveal!”

"This project has introduced thousands of visitors to the marine wildlife on East Yorkshire’s coast and to see how close the dolphins come to the cliffs has been amazing. By collecting long-term data on the mammals using these waters, we can better understand how environmental changes are affecting them and ensure conservation decisions are based on robust evidence."

The Shorewatch programme was established by WDC in Scotland in 2005 and has generated one of the UK's most valuable citizen science datasets for cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). Bempton Cliffs became the first site in England to join the network, extending monitoring efforts further south along the UK coastline. All Shorewatch surveys follow a standardised methodology, allowing observations from different locations and years to be compared. Sightings are logged using a dedicated app and contribute to national research and conservation planning. Using specialist binoculars, it is possible to measure distance from the horizon and from Filey Brigg to Flamborough, meaning that the exact locations of mammals can be pinpointed in the sea.

The success of the project comes at a time when marine wildlife continues to face significant challenges. Climate change, pollution, habitat degradation and pressures on key food sources are all affecting marine ecosystems around the UK. Although the 1,000th watch marks a key milestone, conservation organisations say it also drives home the importance of continued monitoring and protection efforts.

Alice Walters, WDC Shorewatch data coordinator, said: “The excitement of local sightings should not be mistaken for a sign that all is well in our seas. While the waters around the UK remain vital habitats for whales, dolphins and porpoises, these species face increasing pressures from climate change, pollution, underwater noise, entanglement, disturbance and changes in prey availability.

“The high cliffs at Bempton give excellent visibility, and the dedication of the volunteer team has been incredible. Reaching 1,000 watches highlights the importance of citizen science in gathering vital evidence to understand how cetaceans use our coastline and how best to protect them. Together, we’re not only collecting valuable data but inspiring people to care about marine life on their doorstep and the need for healthy, resilient seas.”

With the warm weather, thousands of pieces of rubbish are left behind on beaches across the country every weekend. Not only does this spoil the coastline's natural beauty, but it also harms wildlife both on land and at sea. Conservationists are calling on everyone to help play their part by taking their rubbish home.

Situated on the dramatic Yorkshire coast, RSPB Bempton Cliffs is internationally recognised for its seabird populations and is protected as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

The reserve is also becoming increasingly popular for the marine mammals recorded from its coastline through the Shorewatch programme.