Since September 2022, Wild Eye has proudly partnered with English Heritage to host four free Residents’ Days annually at Scarborough Castle. These special days invite Scarborough locals to explore the castle’s historic grounds, immerse themselves in stunning views of the Scarborough coast, and experience an inspiring blend of art, history, and nature. With over 6,000 visitors to date, Wild Eye’s Residents’ Days offer an unforgettable chance to witness the castle’s rich heritage while connecting with the natural beauty and thriving marine wildlife that define this coastal landmark.
Discover the Power of Art and Nature at Scarborough Castle
At the heart of each Residents’ Day is Ryan Gander’s We Are Only Human sculpture. Inspired by the coastal defence structure known as a dolos, this unfinished piece remains incomplete unless snowfall falls upon it, symbolising the uncertainty of climate change. This powerful artwork encourages reflection on our environmental impact and our responsibilities as stewards of a warming planet. The Residents’ Days at Scarborough Castle have become a meaningful way to connect our community with the heritage and natural beauty of this special site, fostering awareness and appreciation for its significance.
Wildlife and Marine Life: A Living Ecosystem at Scarborough Castle
Beyond its storied walls, Scarborough Castle has blossomed into a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife, demonstrating how historical sites can nurture thriving ecosystems. The mosaic meadows surrounding the castle hum with life, providing a flourishing haven for local wildlife, inviting birds and pollinators to thrive. During the Residents’ Days, visitors enjoy sea watching activities with Stuart Baines, often spotting bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and seabirds like kittiwakes, peregrine falcons, fulmars, and gannets along the Scarborough coast.
In spring 2025, Wild Eye will open a dedicated sea watching station on Marine Drive, creating an accessible vantage point for viewing one of Yorkshire’s most diverse marine habitats. The station will offer unparalleled views of the area’s marine wildlife, allowing locals and visitors alike to observe and appreciate Scarborough’s rich biodiversity.
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Scarborough Castle on a sunny day with visitors exploring the grounds© English Heritage -
Porpoise spotted off the North Yorkshire coast© Stuart Baines -
Community Seawatching day, Scarborough© Stuart Baines -
Gannet skims sea during take off, spotted by Wetwheels Yorkshire & Wild Eye.© Wetwheels Yorkshire -
Scarborough Castle SeaWatch blackboard© Stuart Baines -
A person looking out to sea through a camera© Jemison Photographer -
Gannets fly over the sea off the Yorkshire coast.© Wetwheels Yorkshire -
People looking out to sea with binoculars as part of Seawatching Day, Scarborough© Jemison Photographer
Art, Heritage, and Conservation at Scarborough Castle
Each Residents’ Day celebrates the intersection of art, history, and community. Local artist Gabi Naptali hosted a mosaic-making workshop earlier this year, inspiring participants to create artworks with natural and locally foraged materials. This creative experience connects directly to the new Marine Drive sea-watching station, where mosaic artist Coralie Turpin is creating a Roman-inspired marine wildlife mosaic, conceived by artist Jeremy Deller to reflect the historical Roman signal station on the castle grounds.
Local geologist Stuart Swann captivated visitors with tales of Yorkshire’s coastal geology, uncovering fossils embedded within the castle walls, including a 160-million-year-old coral—a link between Scarborough’s natural history and its cultural heritage.
Collaborations with conservation groups such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Team Wilder provided engaging workshops on supporting local wildlife in gardens and green spaces. Wilder Humber shared updates on efforts to restore seagrass meadows and oyster reefs in the Humber estuary, reinforcing the importance of protecting local ecosystems. With contributions from Nettle and Dock, Marine Conservation Society, and Concrete Coast, these events bring diverse voices to the conversation on conservation and our relationship with nature.
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Local geologist, Stuart Swann, captivated visitors with tales of Yorkshire's coastal geology© Katie Andrews -
Wilder Humber shared updates on efforts to restore seagrass meadows and oyster reefs in the Humber estuary© Katie Andrews -
Wilder Humber shared updates on efforts to restore seagrass meadows and oyster reefs in the Humber estuary© Katie Andrews -
At the heart of each Residents' Day is Ryan Gander’s We Are Only Human sculpture© Jemison Photographer -
Visitors to a Residents' Day explore finds from the shoreline© Jemison Photographer -
Innovative storytellers, Nettle and Dock, join a Residents' Day© Jemison Photographer -
Visitors explore Scarborough Castle for free during a Wild Eye Residents' Day© Jemison Photographer -
Mosaic artist Coralie Turpin with a participant in a mosaic workshop at the Sea Watching Station site, August 2024© Richard Ponter
Plan Your Visit: Experience Scarborough’s Wildlife, Heritage, and Coastal Beauty
Looking ahead, Wild Eye is thrilled to continue offering four annual Residents’ Days at Scarborough Castle, providing Scarborough residents with opportunities to explore the ancient grounds, experience impactful artwork, and connect with the extraordinary marine wildlife of the Scarborough coast. Stay tuned for upcoming dates in 2025 and join us for these immersive nature activities and cultural experiences.
Don’t miss the chance to discover Scarborough’s coastal treasures and deepen your connection with nature. Keep your eyes peeled for the next Wild Eye Residents’ Day and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historic heritage of Scarborough Castle!
