A staggering £1.8m is pumped into the East Yorkshire economy every year by tourists visiting Bempton Cliffs, says a new RSPB report.
Foundations for a Green Economy: Conservation and local employment across the UK, shows that spending by our visitors supports 40 local jobs. Another 11 jobs are either based on the reserve or are supported through the reserve, its staff and volunteers supporting local businesses and farmers.
Now that's impressive and just shows how important places like Bempton are, not just as amazing spots to experience wildlife, but also for the benefits they bring to local busineeses such as accommodation providers, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
More than 80% (83%) of our visitors said one of the main reasons they visit the area is to go to the reserve and see the seabirds and last year, Bempton Cliffs welcomed visitors from more than 20 different countries, all wanting to see this breath-taking wildlife spectacle and the amazing landscape.
We know that more and more people are discovering the amazing nature we have in the UK and a visit to a nature reserve is now a regular part of many family holidays. This is fantastic for nature because it helps support a lot of important conservation work – but what we are beginning to discover is that it is also great for the local economy around a reserve, bringing tourism, money and jobs to the area.
This report comes at a time when the Government is looking at how it can aid economic recovery by reforming the planning system to make development easier. What we have shown here is that when we build on our green spaces, rather than boosting our economy, we may be undermining it. Protecting nature brings its own financial rewards and a planning agenda which prioritises economic growth may sell us short.