NCI St. Donat's Bay has officially opened its first interactive information area.
Set in front of the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at the seafront outside UWC Atlantic College, the new public area aims to inform and educate passers-by, as well as offering a bit of fun.
The partnership project has transformed a corner of the iconic seafront. It was made possible thanks to support from Glamorgan Voluntary Services through the Third Sector Small Grants scheme – Community Action supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Further generous support from The Waterloo Foundation, UWC Atlantic College, Friends of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Llantwit Mayor Town Council Mayor Dr Peter Dickson turned the idea into reality.
“Today, a previously unloved area is alive with colourful designed posters illustrating coastal features, safety tips, tide times, local wildlife and more,” said NCI St. Donat’s Station Manager Neil French. “It’s made a big difference to the look and feel of the station and also features a distinctive new free to use blue telescope, so that people can take a look along the coast, as the NCI watchkeepers do.”
The transformation took a few months during spring, thanks to willing volunteers. It was led by NCI St. Donat’s Bay’s Jo Schup, who recently won Volunteer Of The Year at Bro Radio’s annual Community Awards. Jo was the station’s first manager and was instrumental in driving its set-up in 2021.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Jo and to all the partners, helpers and supporters who’ve made this possible,” added Neil French. “It’s a thrill to officially open this new facility before the school holidays begin, and we’re looking forward to a summer of public engagement to follow. If it can help keep more people safe, by sharing good tips for enjoying the coast, then that’s good news for us all.”
NCI St. Donat’s Bay is also actively keeping a special lookout for the next intake of volunteer watchkeepers.
The station, based at UWC Atlantic near Llantwit Major, is the eyes and ears along the coast to help keep people safe. Working with search and rescue teams including the RNLI and HM Coastguard, NCI St. Donat’s is crewed by a team of volunteers from the local community, staff and students from the College.
Open during daylight hours, it’s aiming to expand to 7 days a week with the help of more volunteer crew. New recruits will receive full training in nautical knowledge, search and rescue protocols and a range of skills required to meet the high standards of HM Coastguard and the RYA.
Volunteers are aged 16+ of any gender and work alongside local volunteer crew, student cadets and staff at the College to deliver a year-round Coastwatch service.
Watchkeepers often come from the local community and all walks of life, offering a wide range of transferable skills and experience, but sharing a common purpose: to volunteer their time to search and rescue at sea and on the coast.
People don’t have to have any maritime experience as full training is provided.
If you are interested in volunteering at the NCI St. Donat’s Bay station, please email an expression of interest including a brief introduction of your background to the Station Manager: st.donats.bay@nci.org.uk.
Applicants will be contacted in August with more information and the chance to try it out before committing.

Pink poppy display commences with celebration of life
Former Barry office block converted into new homes for people at risk of homelessness
Welsh Government publishes independent report on Level 4 intervention at Cardiff and Vale UHB
Three CoastSnap stations set to be installed along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth
Woman Dies After Incident in Leckwith as Police Investigation Continues
Vale entrepreneur wins national Innovate UK award for sustainable construction technology
Cardiff Airport retains top accessibility rating as regulator reports record demand for assistance
Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member
Council to review use of GP letters as evidence for disability claims
Plans have been put in place to redevelop a complex with more than 20 flats
Vale Council Reaccredited Under White Ribbon Scheme as Part of Ongoing Work to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls
Two Vale Restaurants Among Those Set to Close as Whitbread Shuts Brewers Fayre and Beefeater Chains