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BBC Springwatch boosts visitors to Bempton RSPB Reserve
BEMPTON'S famous bird reserve is feeling the benefit of the Springwatch effect.
Visitor numbers have soared at the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs since it was featured in two slots on BBC2s popular Springwatch series.
Visitor centre manager Alan Dalton said: "There's only one word to describe it, unbelievable.
"The day after the reserve was featured on the Springwatch programme, we were mobbed by somewhere around 800 visitors, many who said they had seen us on TV.
"And we've seen spectacular increases in visitor numbers on other days since Bempton Cliffs hit the screen."
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Yorkshire has many fantastic film and TV locations, but this is one dramatic setting that is truly unique.
"Bempton Cliffs is a great attraction and publicity of this nature cannot be over estimated.
"The reserve's wildlife is having a significant impact on Yorkshire tourism, which is wonderful news for the visitor economy."
RSPB Bempton Cliffs featured twice in the series, after presenter Martin Hughes-Games visited the reserve to meet site manager Ian Kendall and watch some of the 200,000 seabirds, including the magnificent gannets which make Bempton their home during the spring and summer.
An average of 3.6 million viewers tuned into the wildlife antics every evening of the series.
At this time of year, Bempton is at its spectacular best as gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills raise their families on the 400ft sheer chalk cliffs.
Ian Kendall said: "We know that Bempton Cliffs has always been hugely popular with visitors staying in the local area.
"We're incredibly lucky to have such a stunning wildlife spectacle so close to busy holiday areas such as Bridlington, the Wolds, and Scarborough.
"We know people travel from far and wide just to come to this amazing place, but it's staggering what a difference Springwatch has made.
"I'm sure many more people have now added the Yorkshire Coast to their holiday itinerary after seeing what a glorious place it is."
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
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