About the Lookout Station


NCI Wells Lookout

The watch-tower is ideally positioned overlooking the outer harbour tidal channel used by all shipping entering the picturesque North Norfolk port of Wells-next-the-Sea. As well as viewing local boats the tower affords a distant view of the east coast shipping lanes.

Wells beach

Watch-keepers also have the additional responsibility of observing those using the fine sandy beaches alongside the channel which when the tide is running is highly dangerous to the unaware.

The port of Wells has provided shelter for ships for at least 800 years. In common with a number of North Norfolk towns and villages it was in the past a very important trading port and indeed until recently small sea going cargo ships entered the port to unload and fill their holds.

Nowadays dozens of pleasure craft, large and small, depend on the shelter provided by the unique position of Wells, which despite its name is in fact over a mile from the open waters of the North Sea.

NE

As well as the sailing and motor boats used by holiday makers the port is home for a number of working craft including a small fishing fleet, a number of boats serving the growing number of off-shore wind-farms and those engaged in taking tourists on a variety of trips.

NCI, Wells currently has around 50 watch-keepers who maintain a visual look-out nine hours a day (seven during winter months) 365 days a year. The station is unique in that it is managed by an elected committee of seven watch keepers, each sharing part of the workload and providing support as and when required.

Emergency Services

Excellent and important relationships have been developed with HM Coastguard, with the local RNLI, the Harbourmaster and within the local community generally. Fundraising has been well supported which in turn has enabled the facilities at the look-out to be gradually developed and improved.

About

Currently almost 60 National Coastwatch stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteer watchkeepers around the British Isles from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England to Filey in North Yorkshire. 

National Coastwatch watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. They are trained to deal with emergencies offering a variety of skills and experience, and full training by the National Coastwatch ensures that high standards are met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The words National Coastwatch Institution and Eyes Along the Coast and the NCI logos are Registered Trademarks of NCI.

Contact


General enquiries
0300 111 1202

Media enquiries
0845 460 1202


[email protected]


17 Dean Street, Liskeard,
Cornwall, PL14 4AB