6 February 2009 NCI St Agnes Head has taken over the keys of a newly rebuilt watchstation. The former station was deemed unsafe to occupy because of the way it was originally built. It has been refurbished by the National Trust with green energy in mind, using sheep’s wool as insulation, making it considerably warmer to operate in and utilising recycled rainwater to flush the toilets. There are plans to install solar panels together with a small wind turbine over the next few months. The station  also has access for people with disabilities.

Commenting on the new building, Mike Pulley, Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted with our new lookout and very grateful to the National Trust for the care they have given to the design of the new building and the quality of workmanship that has gone into its construction. It gives us double the size in the observation area, greatly improved visibility due to the larger windows and a much better and more comfortable working environment. We are also installing radar and AIS which will enable us to keep a more efficient watch”.

Bill Makin, National Trust area warden for St Agnes said: “It is gratifying to know that local volunteers will now have an excellent purpose built facility to help them maintain this important watch. As a conservative charity, we really wanted this building to be carbon neutral in operation”.

The building activity has attracted a considerable amount of local interest and gained seven new members who are keen to join, bringing the total number to 27. This will enable the station to remain open for more days during the week.

Following a period of fitting out and completion of volunteer familiarisation and training, NCI St Agnes Head is due to be officially re-launched and should be fully operational by the end of March.