Coastal Wardens

The Coastal Warden Scheme empowers adults over 17 to become guardians of their local bay or stretch of coastline along the North East Kent Marine Protected Area (NEKMPA). Their mission is to protect the coastal environment, including its marine and bird life, for future generations. Volunteers receive free introductory training and become the watchful protectors of their adopted bay.

Become a Coastal Warden!

Calling all nature enthusiasts: this is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to enhance their knowledge of the coastline.  This rewarding role involves keeping a look-out along your local stretch of coastline, its wildlife, monitoring coastal activities and reporting any incidents. This valuable information will help shape the future management of the North East Kent Marine Protected Area (NEKMPA).  You’ll also have the chance to engage in additional projects – including public and community events, practical work and other educational activities.  You can continue participating as much or as little as you please.

For more information, download the Become a Warden leaflet (pdf 193kb).

In 2017-20, the Guardians of the Deep partnership project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, ran a three-year initiative. This initiative expanded the volunteer scheme along the Kent coast, ensuring it now covers the coastline from Seasalter-Whitstable-Herne Bay-Reculver to Sandwich Bay and Deal pier.

How to register

If you would like to volunteer your time, please complete the complete an

We will then invite you to register to attend the next introductory training session for volunteer Coastal Wardens in North East Kent – which are usually in the Spring & early Summer each year.   The next introductory training session is one of two possible days in 2025:

  • Sat 24 May, 1-5pm – Margate, or
  • Wed 18 June, 1-5pm – Margate

(If you have trouble online, please download the Volunteer Registration Form – PDF, 420KB – & complete and email to us at: thanet.coast@thanet.gov.uk).

Thanet Coastal Wardens – what they get up to!

This short video offers a glimpse into the achievements of Coastal Wardens, showcased at the 2008 Annual Forum.