Charity

Coastwatch station at Wooltack Point appeals for volunteers to expand cover

Published

5 months ago

December 7, 2025

Pembrokeshire’s only NCI lookout seeks more recruits to move to seven-day operation

HIGH above the coastline at Martin’s Haven, on the edge of the National Trust’s Deer Park, stands NCI Wooltack Point – the county’s sole National Coastwatch Institution station. Many visitors mistake it for a birdwatching shelter, but the team of trained volunteers inside plays a far more critical role.

From this exposed position they have a clear view over Jack Sound, the narrow and notoriously fast-flowing stretch of water between the mainland and Skomer Island. Tidal races here can reach 4–5 knots, drawing in kayakers, pleasure craft, walkers and wildlife spotters and creating conditions that change in moments.

The station is currently open five days a week, from Friday to Tuesday. The ambition is to extend cover to seven days, but that depends entirely on recruitment. With a small local population and the challenges of such a remote site, finding enough volunteers has never been easy.

Wooltack Point’s responsibilities differ from many other NCI stations, which are often based above busy beaches. Here, watchkeepers concentrate on offshore activity, using telescopes and binoculars to track boat movements, monitor the tide races and log anything out of the ordinary. They also keep a careful watch on the cliff paths, which attract large numbers of walkers and photographers. Visitors edging too close to the drop for a better view of seals, or dogs chasing seabirds towards the cliff edge, are among the recurring risks the team monitors.

The station operates to HM Coastguard standards, passing on information and assisting during live incidents. Volunteers also work alongside search and rescue teams and, where needed, the Border Force, providing what local managers describe as “an extra pair of eyes on a difficult stretch of coast”.

Running the facility is not cheap. With no government funding, the station must raise between £6,000 and £7,000 every year simply to keep the doors open. That covers communications, maintenance and essential equipment. Donations from local businesses, collection boxes and community fundraising efforts are what sustain the operation.

Access to facilities was once a barrier to recruitment, but the recent installation of a toilet has made longer shifts more manageable and has already encouraged new sign-ups.

No previous maritime experience is required. New volunteers receive full training at their own pace, beginning with an online course covering navigation basics, tides and chartwork, before progressing to supervised sessions at the station. Practical skills include logging procedures, emergency response and risk assessment. A fully funded VHF Radio Operator’s Licence is also available. Volunteers stress that no one is left to stand a watch alone until they feel completely ready.

The station holds optional training twice a month as well as informal social meet-ups, helping build confidence and maintain skills.

Phil, the deputy station manager, joined four years ago after retiring. “I always wanted to help on the lifeboats but never had the time,” he said. “This is my way of giving something back – and maybe being there on the day someone really needs us.” While there is always routine work to do, he adds: “A quiet lookout is a good day. It means everyone’s safe.”

NCI Wooltack Point is inviting anyone with spare time – whether weekly or occasionally – to get involved. More volunteers mean more hours covered, and a safer coastline for everyone who visits this dramatic corner of Pembrokeshire.

Those interested can contact the station through its website or Facebook page.

Charity

Homeless charity plans ‘safe haven’ centre with accommodation and training

Published

13 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A new community project aims to tackle gaps in support for people living on the streets

A NEW community initiative is aiming to provide a “safe haven” for homeless people in west Wales, offering accommodation, training and round-the-clock support.

Safe Haven Homeless CIC has been set up by founder Dave Thomas, who said the idea came after witnessing the struggles faced by people sleeping rough in Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

He described seeing individuals forced out of temporary camps, including one case where fencing was erected to prevent a homeless person returning to a former site.

Mr Thomas said: “We spoke to people who simply couldn’t access help because they had no fixed address or internet access. That was a real eye-opener.”

Research carried out by the group found that while a number of organisations provide advice and outreach support, there is a lack of safe, stable accommodation offering a full package of services.

The Herald understands that demand for housing remains high, with waiting lists for social housing stretching to around two years in some cases, particularly for those not in priority groups.

The project aims to address this by purchasing a property with land to create a multi-use support centre.

Plans include a main building with communal living areas, a kitchen, counselling rooms, IT facilities and training spaces, alongside outdoor accommodation such as bell tents and log cabins.

The site would also include recreational and work-based facilities, including a workshop, greenhouse, gym and fishing lake, designed to support wellbeing and provide opportunities for skills development.

Mr Thomas said the centre would be staffed 24 hours a day to ensure continuous support, addressing a gap where many services only operate during office hours.

The initiative also aims to become partly self-sustaining, with income generated through a small campsite, training activities and partnerships with external organisations.

Support networks are already being developed, including links with counsellors, charities and local businesses willing to offer employment opportunities to those using the service.

The organisation is being run by a team of directors alongside Mr Thomas, and is also building connections with other community projects in the region.

Mr Thomas added: “We believe this is a new and dynamic way to support homeless people. It’s about giving them not just a place to stay, but real support to rebuild their lives.”

Charity

Police cyclists to ride 75 miles in charity tribute

Published

18 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE cyclists will ride 75 hilly miles across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire next week in a first-of-its-kind charity event for the force.

Around 35 riders will take part in The Chief’s Tour on Wednesday (May 6), raising money for Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports the families of police officers and police staff who have died on duty.

The route will begin at St Mary’s Church in Fishguard at around 8:00am, before heading south through Pembrokeshire to Tenby and finishing at police headquarters in Carmarthen. The ride is expected to take between eight and 11 hours.

The event will also commemorate officers and staff who died while serving with Dyfed-Powys Police.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “This event is a moment for communities, Dyfed-Powys Police, and families to come together to remember officers and staff whose lives were sadly cut short – and ensure their memory lives on.

“It would be fantastic to see people showing their support along the route, and we welcome cyclists to join us along the way.”

Scheduled stops will include St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, at around 8:00am, Newgale beach at 9:40am, Narberth Road layby in Tenby at 1:45pm, and Cana Cemetery, Banc-y-felin, Carmarthenshire, at 4:05pm.

Mr Charles added: “It was important to me to build moments of reflection into the route to make sure we remember the Dyfed-Powys Police officers who never made it home.

“Each name we reflect upon represents dedication, courage, and the highest standard of service to the public. They remind us of what it means to put the safety of others before our own, and of the risks inherent in the oath police officers take.”

The tour is aiming to raise £1,000 for COPS. More than £600 has already been donated.

Anyone wishing to support the team can donate through the JustGiving page for Dyfed Powys Police Cyclists.

Charity

Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust thanks Blakemore for beach clean support

Published

4 days ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW EQUIPMENT TO BOOST COASTAL CLEAN-UP EFFORTS

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST has thanked the Blakemore Foundation for funding new litter-picking equipment to support beach cleaning efforts across the county.

The equipment will be used during regular beach cleans organised by the Trust, helping volunteers and business groups safely remove waste from some of Pembrokeshire’s most popular and environmentally important beaches.

The Trust said the donation would make a real difference to its coastal conservation work, particularly as more local businesses look for practical ways to support the environment.

Abi Marriot, Funding Officer for the Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Blakemore Foundation for their support. Their contribution enables us to equip participants properly, making every clean more impactful. It’s a real boost for our coastal conservation efforts.

“Our recent business-led beach cleans have proved popular, offering teams a refreshing break from the office, a chance to work together in a different environment, and a meaningful way to demonstrate their organisation’s commitment to sustainability.

“Many companies tell us that taking part strengthens team bonds while contributing to visible, positive environmental action.”

The new kit will be used at the next Pembrokeshire Business Big Beach Clean, which will take place at Freshwater West on Thursday, June 4, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

The event will give local businesses the chance to work together, connect with other organisations, and help protect one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Trust is also welcoming suggestions for future autumn clean-up locations as it plans its next focus areas.

Booking for the Freshwater West event is essential. Businesses wishing to take part can reserve a place by contacting Abi at [email protected] or calling 07773 788196.