Cornwall: A Year by the Sea

On the dramatic north coast, the sweeping sands of Watergate Bay are coming back to life. Here, teams race to rebuild storm defences, craft new seasonal menus, and ready the surf school for its busiest months. Far to the south, at the iconic Minack Theatre, perched high on the cliffs above the Atlantic, anticipation builds as the curtain rises on a new season of performance.

This week in Cornwall, as winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring ripple across the landscape, life begins to quicken once more. High on the windswept hills above Port Quin Bay on the rugged north coast, the Williams family are entering the most demanding and rewarding season of their year. It's lambing time on the farm - a round-the-clock labour of care, skill and instinct - as new life arrives and the rhythm of the countryside shifts into overdrive.

Across the county, on the sheltered southern shores of the breathtaking Helford River, a very different kind of preparation is underway. Here, the reigning world champion gig rowing team are back on the water, training hard for the challenges ahead. With their sights firmly set on defending their title at the world-famous World Pilot Gig Championships in the Isles of Scilly later this year, every stroke counts. Gig rowing isn't just a sport here - it's a deep-rooted part of Cornish heritage, steeped in history and community pride.

Meanwhile, the calm, glistening waters of the Camel Estuary, between the bustling harbour town of Padstow and the village of Rock, are home to a thriving oyster business. Matt and his family are hard at work cultivating their prized oysters, carefully nurturing them from seed to plate. Their produce will soon grace the menus of some of Cornwall's finest restaurants.

And just a little further upstream, in Rock, another sure sign of the changing season is taking shape. A vital project is underway to rebuild the pontoon - an essential lifeline that connects businesses, boat owners and visitors to the water. As Cornwall prepares for the influx of spring and summer visitors, this crucial structure will help keep the estuary moving, supporting both livelihoods and leisure.