Themes

High cliffs and rocky shores, sandy beaches and sheltered coves, wooded valleys and moorland fringe, farmland and forest. These are the varied habitats to be discovered along the Yorkshire coastline between Saltburn and Scarborough.

It was here, about 200 years ago, that geologists laid many of the foundations of the early science. The structure of the rocks and the many fossils they contain are of international importance but it is still possible for the casual visitor to discover new and exciting finds. Ammonites and dinosaur footprints are a speciality!

Many of the wide rocky beaches are a haven for marine life that visitors can discover at low tide. The number of species of animals and plants is huge while the number of individual animals is truly staggering. There may be as many as 30,000 barnacles per square metre on some parts of the shore!

Streams drain the immediate hinterland down steep sided heavily wooded valleys. Difficult of access, these are ideal sites for badger sets, foxes earths and deer territory. Bird life finds shelter here as well as on the nearby cliffs. Farmland, forest and the nearby moorland all add their quota of species to this rich and beautiful coastline, discover it now!