In 1990 the foundations were laid for what was to become the Happisburgh Coast Watch group and in 2020 it celebrated its 30th Anniversary. The coastline we cover extends from Sea Palling in the South East, to Mundesley to the North West. From our elevation on Cart Gap dunes, the horizon is approximately 6 miles and, visibility permitting, we can see all shipping passing between us and Haisborough
Sands. This is a long and treacherous sand bank, running parallel to the coast, about 7 miles offshore. At low tide, parts of the sands are so shallow that they can dry-out (i.e. Beyond Haisborough Sands lies the Hewitt Gas field, and on clear days at least 3 rigs are visible even though the closest is 15 miles away. The majority of shipping that passes is commercial, heading to northern ports or the continent, and going south to Yarmouth and beyond. Rhine barges and other coasters carry a variety of cargos, bulk goods, oil, LPG gas, containers, and new cars. Rig support vessels and other shipping associated with the Oil and Gas industries, survey vessels and maritime patrol craft pass closer to our shores. The closest coastal traffic comprises private yachts and motor boats, dive boats (over 50 wrecks in the vicinity) fishing boats and fishing canoes/ kayaks, kite-surfers, jet-skiers, and small personal inflatables (in summer months). The Happisburgh CoastWatch is proud to be a member of the Sea Safety Group
