CODE OF CONDUCT
Summary
Clifftop Discovery Ltd. conducts its tours in order to mitigate the
potential impact of vehicles and visitors upon the local landscape,
natural environment and amenity, for the benefit of all. This code of
conduct has been agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage and the National
Trust for Scotland with whom Clifftop Discovery Ltd. works closely.
Clifftop Discovery Tours
Clifftop Discovery Ltd. is a unique partnership between seven Berwickshire
farmers who have agreed to allow controlled public access to one of
the most dramatic stretches of coastline in Great Britain through the
introduction of guided, off-road, Land Rover tours. The farms are diverse,
ranging from mixed lowland to organic upland. They all share an incomparable
coastline and the owners, recognising that the whole is worth more than
the parts, have come together to form an access agreement that is believed
to be without precedent.
Significance of the tour route
Clifftop Discovery Ltd offers a unique and exhilarating opportunity
to explore the natural history and coastal scenery of Berwickshire's
magnificent sea cliffs, the highest and grandest cliffs along the east
coast of mainland Britain. Between Caithness and Kent there is no other
comparable uninterrupted continuity of natural beauty and rugged rock
scenery. The cliffs form part of a designated Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA), which is of national
importance for its fauna and flora.
There are various sites of botanical, geological and archaeological
importance along the trail:
The most interesting natural plant life is concentrated
mainly in either partially grazed or un-grazed land on the cliffs, foreshore
and deans. Numerous young woodland plantations along the route are already
attracting abundant wildlife.
Siccar Point can be seen from the trail and special interest geological
excursions can be arranged to see Hutton's classic 'unconformity' at
Siccar Point. There are many other spectacular geological formations
en route.
Archaeological interest is varied and includes copious, visible evidence
of Iron Age forts and settlements and continues, through the ages, to
a mediaeval castle perched on the cliff edge.
St Abbs Head is one of the largest and most important mainland seabird
nesting colonies in Great Britain.
On occasion, whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals can be seen from
the tour route. Roe deer, red squirrels, foxes and a wide variety of
migrant birds are also seen regularly from the trail.
Deep, clear water off St. Abbs Head supports a rich diversity of marine
life and is a voluntary marine nature reserve.
The cliffs are not accessible by road and although a cliff top pathway
is currently in the planning stage existing pedestrian access is limited
due to topographic difficulties. Our Land Rover trail therefore provides
exclusive, safe and convenient guided access to a hidden coastal wilderness.
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