NCI Froward Point

12/06/2026

We were delighted to welcome Alan Smith to NCI Froward Point this week. Alan is one of the readers at BBC Radio 4’s The Shipping Forecast.

The Shipping Forecast is part of a broadcast service overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and provides regular, accurate information to help keep people safe at sea. It has been a long and important part of the UK’s maritime tradition.

Alan took time to learn about our operations and discuss the sea area covered by Froward Point, meet our watchkeepers, and enjoy the spectacular view from the station.

Thank you, Alan, for visiting us and for your interest in NCI Froward Point.

11/06/2026

NCI Froward Point volunteer watchkeepers were treated to an impressive sight this week when two Norwegian Skjold-class corvettes, P960 Skjold and P961 Storm, were spotted off Froward Point.

These remarkable fast patrol vessels feature an air-cushioned catamaran hull design, providing exceptional speed, agility and manoeuvrability. Moving swiftly across the bay, they caught the attention of our watchkeepers and provided a fascinating show for those on watch.

A huge thank you again to our dedicated volunteers, the "Eyes and Ears" of the coast.

10/06/2026

Today, NCI Froward Point volunteer watchkeeper Sara spotted this beautiful schooner Johanna Lucretia as she sailed into Dartmouth.

Built in 1945, Johanna Lucretia is owned by The Island Trust, a charity that provides sailing adventures for young people with educational support needs and disabilities.

It was a real delight to watch this historic vessel as she came closer to the lookout station, making it a memorable moment for the team on watch.

Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who give their time and are always keeping “Eyes and Ears" along the coast helping to ensure sea and coastal safety.

09/06/2026

Honouring all who took part in the D-Day landings 82 years ago. We will remember them.

Today we pause to honour all who took part in the D‑Day landings 82 years ago — those who crossed the Channel, those who supported from home, and those who never returned.

As our volunteers keep watch today, we also pay our respect to all those involved on that day 82 years ago.

We will remember them.

09/06/2026

World Ocean Day - we are reminded of the importance of protecting and appreciating our beautiful coastline. National Coastwatch Institution Froward Point volunteers keep watch along the coast helping to safeguard people enjoying the local environment.

05/06/2026

Spot, Plot, Report.

05/06/2026

The NCI Froward Point watchkeepers Dave and Peter became aware of an incident on the radio from a PAN PAN (in danger but not life- threatening) call this week approximately 16 nautical miles away at Bolt Head.

Although Froward Point wasn’t involved in the response, the watchkeepers followed events closely from the watch. In rough seas the distressed yacht was initially in a very vulnerable position due to losing a mast, but fortunately it was able to clear its rig and proceed with engine power escorted by the Salcombe lifeboat ALB arriving safely into Salcombe Harbour.

Thanks to all those who assisted, including the Salcombe lifeboat crew, the Coastguard and everyone who was involved in bringing the vessel to safety.

01/06/2026

Volunteers Week – well deserved recognition for all the National Coastwatch Institution volunteers. 👏

NCI Chair Stephen Hand is paying tribute to all our volunteers keeping eyes (and ears) along the coast ahead of

"Tomorrow is the start of Volunteers Week 2026. The week will highlight the varied contributions that some of our (nearly) 3,000 volunteers make to the work that we do to help save lives around the coast.

"The vision for National Coastwatch is to be the ‘go to’ organisation for all things monitoring – visual and listening – around our coasts and inshore waters. Our volunteers who perform week in and week out with their customary skill and commitment are the people who deliver this vision. Last year we continued the trend of increasing the incidents in which we are involved. We took part in 937 search and rescue incidents in which 298 people were rescued by RNLI and 568 were assisted to safety in other ways.

"Volunteering with us not only brings the opportunity to be a valued member of the UK search and rescue family but also to learn and use a variety of skills such as maritime chartwork, understanding tides and weather and engaging with the public to provide water safety information and advice. Equally important as technical skills are the opportunities we offer to work as a part of a professionally trained and committed team.

"Everyone in our charity is a volunteer and we are all committed to the success of our stations. But each station is also an important member of a sector, and our nine sectors now comprise the 61 stations and our 2,950 volunteers who make up our one charity, one crew.

"I am looking forward to seeing the stories this week from some of our volunteers about what volunteering for National Coastwatch means to them.

"Our volunteers come from all walks of life and over the coming week, we’ll be sharing just a few of their stories. Volunteering means something different to everyone and we’re proud that so many wonderful people are part of the National Coastwatch family and we’re always ready to welcome more."

https://ow.ly/v24K50Z3MZm

30/05/2026

At NCI Froward Point there is always someone willing to lend a hand whenever needed.

Recently, Training Officer and watchkeeper Anne took on the task of repairing the outside shutter pulleys at the Froward Point lookout station, helping to keep the station running smoothly and operating at its best.

Thank you to Anne and all the Froward Point volunteers for all your hard work and commitment.

28/05/2026

The recent NCI Froward Point presentation at the Two Mile Oak Inn was attended by watchkeepers and veterans, with an impressive donation of £1,850 presented by Debbie Edger, landlady of the Inn. The cheque was received on behalf of the station by Deputy Station Manager Noel.

Debbie first arrived at Two Mile Oak near Newton Abbot in 2011 as the Manager, and in 2012 installed an NCI collection box. Fundraising for Froward Point began in earnest in 2013, and support has continued ever since.

Around the same time, the NCI volunteers began holding monthly lunches at Two Mile Oak in support of the Inn. Although watchkeepers have come and gone over the years, the lunches remain well attended despite the inn being 17 miles from Froward Point.

In addition to the collection boxes, Debbie raises funds by selling books on behalf of Froward Point, mainly to holidaymakers staying nearby, and by organising a large Christmas draw each year.

Now the Inn lessee , Debbie continues to provide outstanding support to NCI, for which we are very grateful. Thank you once again for your valued support.