Southend Station

When the station first opened at Shoebury East Beach near Southend, the lookout and observation post was an old caravan. Initially there were 6 watchkeepers who monitored the coastline on Sundays and Bank holidays. We then moved to the Old Shoebury Garrison where we had two porta-cabins, giving us a first class view of the Thames Estuary.

However in 2004, due to the continual development of the Garrison site into a residential area, there was no longer any space for us to remain so we were asked to move.

We were very fortunate to be given a space within the perimeter of the Ministry of Defence site at Shoeburyness. So in March 2004 we moved again to a position that is clearly visible from East Beach and gives us a commanding view over the Thames Estuary, an even better view than we had before.

This is our position today and with your continued support and the generosity of local businesses and public donations, we are in very good shape and able to provide a really worthwhile service to beach users and to local yachtsman.

If you would like to become a part of NCI Southend then follow the volunteer link and make contact with us, or complete the information form.

If you are not able to give time as a watchkeeper, but would like to become involved with Coastwatch and our Station to help with fundraising or other activities then we would also like to hear from you. Please use the same form link above to make contact, or give our Station Manager a ring.

Copyright National Coastwatch Institution 1994 - 2008