Seaquest Southwest Public Seawatch: St Ives

A dolphin leaping out the water with text 'Seaquest Southwest'

Seaquest Southwest Public Seawatch: St Ives

Location:
St Ives NCI Station, Island Rd, Saint Ives, TR26 1NT
Join Seaquest Southwest’s public seawatch surveys to spot marine wildlife, monitor species, and contribute to marine conservation efforts.

Event details

Meeting point

Meet the Seaquest Southwest team on the paved platform near the NCI Station. They will be wearing hi-vis jackets and have a Cornwall Wildlife Trust flag.

Date

Time
11:00am - 1:00pm
A static map of Seaquest Southwest Public Seawatch: St Ives

About the event

Cornwall Wildlife Trust Seaquest Southwest public seawatches take place from 11 AM to 1 PM on the third Sunday of every month at scenic coastal locations across Cornwall. These events are designed for anyone interested in marine wildlife, from beginners to seasoned wildlife enthusiasts. Led by experienced Seaquest coordinators and local marine experts, attendees will have the chance to observe and learn about marine species such as seals, whales, and dolphins, while contributing to valuable community science research. The event provides an engaging way to connect with the ocean and support marine conservation efforts.

Date: Sunday 21st December

Location: St Ives Island

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/artrmRzPQXQW18r48

What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/others.walked.stormed

Time: 11am – 1pm

The survey includes settling into a sea-watching session, scanning the water for wildlife sightings. There’s time for breaks, and attendees are encouraged to bring a hot drink in a flask, snacks, and binoculars if available. Please wear or bring warm, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear, as the event takes place on exposed cliffs, where weather conditions can be unpredictable. Safety is a top priority, so be prepared for uneven terrain and cold winds. Everyone is welcome, making it a perfect activity for families, individuals, and nature lovers alike.

Public Transport: To reach St Ives Island from Redruth or Truro, you can utilise a combination of train and bus services. From Redruth, take a train to St Erth, which typically takes around 30 minutes. From St Erth, transfer to the St Ives Bay Line, a branch of the Cornish Main Line, which connects St Erth to St Ives. This scenic train journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, from Truro, you can board the T2 bus service operated by First Kernow, which travels directly to St Ives, including stops at Carbis Bay and Hayle. Please note that schedules may vary, so it's advisable to check the latest timetables on the First Bus website before your trip. Once in St Ives, it takes aprox. 15 minutes to walk from Malakoff bus station to the survey point. Alternatively the walk from the train station is around 20 minutes.

Parking: Please park at The Island car park. This site has an open-air car park with a tarmacked surface, and the vehicle route from the road to the car park is well surfaced. It is a Pay on Exit car park. The Pay Station accepts coins (10p to £2), bank notes (£5 and £10), Chip and Pin, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, and Exit Barrier terminals also accept these methods. You can also pay with Just Park (location ID: 8419). Blue Badge holders must pay the normal parking fee in Pay on Exit car parks, and the additional hour does not apply unless the vehicle is registered under Cornwall Council's exemption or adapted vehicle scheme. All Blue Badge holders must display a valid Blue Badge with the time clock set at the time of arrival. It is an approx. 5-minute walk with from the car park to reach the survey site. There is a wheelchair accessible route.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gxrySg5ycKBkDR8t5

What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/recorders.capers.offline

Booking

Price

Free

Suitable for

Families, Adults, Experts, Beginners

Know before you go

Dogs

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On a lead

Dogs are allowed but please bear in mind we are standing in a stationary position for two hours on the edge of a cliff.

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Mobility

Parking: This site has an open-air car park with a tarmacked surface, and the vehicle route from the road to the car park is well surfaced. It is a Pay on Exit car park. The Pay Station accepts coins (10p to £2), bank notes (£5 and £10), Chip and Pin, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, and Exit Barrier terminals also accept these methods. You can also pay with Just Park (location ID: 8419). Blue Badge holders must pay the normal parking fee in Pay on Exit car parks, and the additional hour does not apply unless the vehicle is registered under Cornwall Council's exemption or adapted vehicle scheme. All Blue Badge holders must display a valid Blue Badge with the time clock set at the time of arrival. It is an aprox. 5-minute walk with from the car park to reach the survey site. There is a wheelchair accessible route.

Outdoor Space: The outdoor spaces include grass, gravel, and compact earth surfaces, with footpaths available in some areas. The majority of the paths are not wide enough for wheelchair users, though there is step-free access that links to a tarmacked, wheelchair accessible route to the point. There are steep ramps/slopes without handrails throughout the area, and bench seats are situated along the paths for people to rest.

Facilities: There are no facilities at the survey site, the closest facilities are opposite the car park by Porthgwidden Beach. The facilities include 4 cubicles in both the men’s and women’s toilets, hand wash stations, hand dryers, and baby change units located in both the men’s and women’s toilets. Additionally, sanitary waste disposal is provided, along with 1 level access toilet.

Additional Tips: Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring snacks if needed, and check local weather before starting. The coastal path can be windy and slippery.

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Wheelchair access

Yes
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Hearing loop

No
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What to bring

- warm layers

- waterproofs

- hot drinks and water

- snacks for personal consumption

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Parking information

Please park at The Island car park. It is a Pay on Exit car park.
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Facilities

Toilets
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Disabled parking
Accessible trails

Contact us

Seaquest Southwest
Contact number: 07899389433