Tourists were pictured risking their lives by sitting on the edge of crumbling cliffs at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters in East Sussex on 23 June 2026, amid a sweltering heatwave. The National Trust, which manages the site, issued an urgent warning that the chalk cliffs are “very fragile” and “can become unstable” without notice.
Reckless Selfies at the Edge
Photographs taken by Adam Gerrard for the Daily Mirror show visitors sitting close to the sheer drop, including one person taking a selfie right on the cliff edge. This follows several near misses at the same location in recent years, including a similar incident in September 2024. The National Trust and HM Coastguard expressed concern over the dangerous behaviour.
Cliff Instability and Warning Signs
The cliffs at Birling Gap are highly unstable, with significant rockfalls possible at any time, especially after heavy rain or storms. The National Trust warns: “Our white cliffs are beautiful but also very fragile. They may appear safe to stand on, but chalk is soft rock that can become unstable through heavy rain, frost, sun or undercut by wind and wave action.” The sea reaches the base of the cliffs twice daily, and visitors are advised to keep platform steps in sight for safe exit.
Previous Cliff Collapses
Earlier in 2026, a major cliff collapse at Birling Gap closed the beach after tonnes of rock damaged the access steps. Wealden District Council conducted an investigative survey and hoped to reopen the beach for the summer season. In spring 2025, a new crack in the cliff prompted warnings that a chunk “could collapse at any time.”
Official Safety Advice
A National Trust spokesperson said: “For your own safety, always stay well away from the cliff edges. It isn't safe to sit or stand close to the edge or base of the cliffs as they may be unstable or undercut in places and can fall without warning. We urge all visitors to be responsible and stay safe, by keeping back from the cliff edges and bases when visiting the area.” The coastline is constantly changing due to natural erosion, which has shaped the cliffs over centuries.
Visitor Numbers and Tourism
More than 600,000 people visit Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters each year. In 2025, the National Trust banned coaches from the site to manage tourism sustainably. Despite the risks, visitors continue to ignore safety warnings, prompting repeated alerts from authorities.
