More volunteer watchkeepers are needed at Froward Point as Covid restrictions are lifted. The National Coastwatch Institution lookout - positioned on a beautiful stretch of headland to the Dart Estuary - is reverting back to normal cover and the seas are getting busier, so more help is needed.

Station Manager Glyn Watkin said: “Is there a better office view anywhere? I suppose it’s a matter of personal choice but there aren’t many to compare with the southerly view from an escarpment 200ft above the water on the mouth of the Dart!

“As the country emerges from the restrictions imposed by Covid we are reverting from single watchkeeper operation to the normal dual cover. The seas are getting busier and the station is, once again, open for public visitors and we need to address a shortage of operational volunteers caused by natural turnover and an inability to accommodate trainees during lockdown.”

The National Trust site of Froward Point has been home to Froward Point National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Lookout Station for 16 years. It’s open 365 days of the year and manned by up to 70 volunteer watchkeepers. Froward Point is one of 59 Stations nationally that provide a valuable part of the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) coastal safety and security network.

Volunteers generally work in pairs and complete two or three shifts a month of their own choosing. Shifts are three or four hours long depending on whether it’s summer or winter and start no earlier than 9am and finish at 1pm. The afternoon watches finish at 4pm or 5pm with mid-summer opening until 8pm and the addition of an evening watch.

Glyn said no experience is necessary but a responsible attitude and an interest in developing knowledge is essential. Full training will be given. Expressions of interest are invited from women and men of any age who would like to experience a trial ‘watch’ before making a commitment to train.

Glynn added: “With many walkers passing the door on the South West Coastal Path, and numerous wildlife encounters to enjoy, this voluntary activity can be a most rewarding endeavour. If you’ve just had your interest spurred…give it a go! You’ve nothing to lose.”

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is a voluntary service looking out for the safety of sailors and walkers along the coastline during daylight hours.

Watchkeepers are trained in the use of necessary equipment and procedures to ensure that NCI Froward Point maintains its ‘Declared Facility Status’ (DFS) as a contributing partner with other search and rescue operations such as the Coastguard and the RNLI. Watchkeepers are required to pass a rigorous assessment following training, and are re-assessed every two years. Froward Point NCI maintain a lookout for fishing boats, yachts and all small craft in the area, logging all identifiable vessels. Froward Point also assists other statutory bodies such as the Customs and Excise and Border Force Agencies in the exercise of their duties. Additionally the facility has a responsibility to coastal walkers for providing assistance and advice when necessary.

For an informal chat about becoming a volunteer watchkeeper call Station Manager, Glyn Watkin on 01803 859871.