Exploring the world while minimising the negative impact on the environment
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Guardian of South Georgia Heritage Trust, this is my personal blog about sustainable travel, our environment, the Antarctic region and sustainable concepts. Why? Because every person can make a difference to our planet and this is my contribution.
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Show the earth you care, it's all we have in common. Let's restore and preserve it for future generations
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Today, April 25th, marks World Penguin Day – a perfect opportunity to celebrate these incredible, tuxedoed inhabitants of our planet. From the icy plains of Antarctica to the sun-drenched shores of the Galápagos, penguins captivate us with their charm and resilience. But beneath the adorable waddle and the impressive dives lies a stark reality … many penguin species are facing a perilous future.
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Remember the two coral frames we sponsored through Reefscapers at the Four Seasons in the Maldives? Following my last blog, “Finding our Sustainable Footprints from Local lanes to Distant shores,” where our group discussed ways of ‘offsetting’ our travel abroad, I wanted to revisit these little underwater gardens that we sponsored in 2022 and 2023 putting them uppermost in our minds as a small example of a way to ‘pay back’ for our travel footprint.
Let’s dive into the progress of our adopted reefs.
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Our little corner of Chorleywood gathered together on a cold March evening, for a thoughtful discussion on something that touches all our lives: travel. With a focus on sustainability, we delved into the nitty-gritty of our local transport options and broadened our horizons to consider the impact of our holidays.
It was an uplifting discussion, with many different opinions and inputs. Here are our outcomes….
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Lanzarote, the captivating island of volcanic landscapes and whitewashed villages, holds a unique charm. But its delicate ecosystem, heavily reliant on tourism, faces significant sustainability challenges. From water scarcity to waste management, preserving the island’s natural beauty requires a conscious effort from everyone, including its visitors and the businesses that cater to them.
During my recent stay at the stunning Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort in Playa Blanca, I was heartened to witness the small yet significant steps since our last visit, that they are taking towards a more sustainable future. It’s not like they’ve suddenly built a wind farm on the beach next to them or anything – though with the considerable winds here, of course, there is one wind farm near Arrecife and another was approved in 2024 – but it’s all these clever little things they’ve been doing over the last couple of years that really add up.
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I’m always on the lookout for individuals doing incredible things for our planet, those unsung heroes, the quiet folk making a real difference. Well, wildlife artist and filmmaker, Robert E Fuller is right up there with the best of them. But don’t get me wrong, this severely dyslexic Yorkshire lad, from a farming background, left school early with little to no qualifications save art, and didn’t know if he could make a living from painting.
If you’re a regular here, you know I adore wildlife, art, conservation and especially penguins. Robert E Fuller, with his breathtakingly realistic paintings and live webcams, is a true master of both. His ability to capture the spirit of nature is awe-inspiring. But it’s not just about the art; it’s about the passion that drives it.
Here’s what he told me when we spoke…
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Back with another update from our ongoing Transitions Street journey. This time, we’ve been tackling the “Resource Use” module, and let me tell you, it’s been eye-opening! But what exactly do you mean by ‘resource use’, I can hear you ask?
Let’s be honest, we’re all surrounded by stuff. Sometimes, it feels like we’re drowning in it! We’re bombarded with adverts telling us we need the latest gadget, the newest clothes, the “must-have” car accessory to be happy. But is it really true?
This module challenged us to rethink our relationship with the things we buy, use, and ultimately, throw away. Here’s what we learnt and our action list …
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Approximately 12.5 million tonnes a year and equivalent to the weight of 20 million polar bears (according to bins.co.uk a commercial waste removal and recycling company). Now this might conjure a whimsical image, but such a population explosion would catastrophically disrupt the delicate balance of Earth’s ecosystems! Apart from the fact that we might all be eaten. But the point is, that image is somehow very relatable.
Let’s chat about cardboard in the UK, the environmental impact of producing them, and all the brilliant ways we can give it a second, third or more life and keep them from that landfill as long as possible.
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We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to announce that our documentary,’ ANATARCTICA. A Life Changing Experience’ has won the Best Documentary award at the prestigious Glasgow Film Awards! This recognition from the Glasgow Awards, celebrating the best of Scottish film and beyond, is a monumental achievement for our small team, and for the vital work of the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC).
But just what is the work these organisations are doing? Why was my visit there a life changing experience and why did it compel me to want this documentary to be made?
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Our first Transitions Street’s meeting took time to organise but so exceeded my expectations. What did I expect? Good question.
As per my earlier post, our street’s WhatsApp group’s been a lifeline, especially since the whole lockdown madness. Remember those days? We were all running around, dropping off groceries, posting letters for each other, just… being a proper community. Five years on, and it’s still going strong. It’s the place for everything! “Anyone got a spare drill?” “Hey, I’m decluttering, anyone want this amazing casserole dish?”
As a group of interested neighbours, that’s neighbours interested in living a more sustainable life, we were already taking positive steps but also thinking, “What’s next?” We’re all kind of on the same page about wanting to live a bit greener, a bit more sustainably but how to go beyond just borrowing tools and start really making a difference???
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When we booked our trip to Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, if someone had told me there was a museum on South Georgia, I’d have probably choked on my tea. I mean, think about it – it’s seriously remote!
Miles and miles of ocean, right near Antarctica, and not exactly what you’d call a bustling metropolis. You picture icy landscapes, penguins galore, maybe a research station or two… but a museum? It just seems so unexpected! Like finding a Starbucks in the middle of the Sahara…
But that’s what makes it so brilliant, doesn’t it? The fact that in this wild, isolated place, there’s this dedicated group of people preserving the history of South Georgia, from its whaling past to its incredible natural environment. But there is more… of course!
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I am delighted to announce my involvement with a valuable program called Transition Streets. It’s all about bringing neighbours together to make a positive impact on our community and the environment.
Transition Streets is a grassroots initiative that started in Totnes, England 2010/11, and has since spread to communities in both the US and Australia. The basic idea is that we don’t wait for others, or governments to take action; small groups of neighbours get together to learn about ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably by taking practical action together.
Here’s how it works…
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What do you think about new build houses these days? Is high energy efficiency on your list when you are looking to move house? Hertfordshire developer Mark Bettridge from Saltbox Design and Build Ltd, has recently unveiled a home that sets a new standard for eco-conscious living.
Local and eco-friendly, the perfect combination for me to amplify here, Mark agreed to meet and tell me more…
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Imagine this: you’re in a sculptor’s studio tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. It used to be a schoolhouse, but now it’s the birthplace of something truly incredible. Michael Visocchi, the sculptor in question, is working on a massive piece, a whale memorial in fact, called “Commensalis” that’s destined for a far-flung location – Grytviken, an abandoned whaling station on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
Just live, this BBC World Service programme pulls together not just challenges of the sculpture itself, but the journey so far and some of Visocchi’s concerns as well as learning much about South Georgia from Alison Neil, South Georgia Heritage Trust’s Chief Executive and the organisation behind the whale memorial concept.
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Can you believe there’s a whole day dedicated to these tuxedo-clad, waddling wonders? Well, there is – it’s today, January 20th, and I thought it would be the perfect excuse to dive into the world of penguins.
I’m completely mesmerised by these charismatic and captivating creatures. But beneath their adorable exteriors lies a whole lot of fascinating facts. As ‘Guardians of the Antarctic’ penguins are iconic symbols, embodying the resilience of life in one of the most extreme environments on Earth but unfortunately, they face some very real threats. So, on Penguin Awareness Day, let’s get clued up on all things penguin!
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A big part of why I loved my trip to Zurich so much was my stay at the Dolder Grand Hotel. This luxurious hotel isn’t just about five-star service and stunning views – although it definitely has those things in spades! The Dolder Grand is also a champion of sustainability, and I wanted to share some of their incredible initiatives with you all.
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I’ve always been fascinated by penguins. Those tuxedo-clad birds waddling around on beaches, diving through the ocean like little torpedoes – they’re just so cool! But lately, I’ve been hearing some interesting things about penguins in South Africa.
Apparently, they’re ditching their natural burrows and moving into some less conventional accommodation…..and liking it!
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Here’s another ‘whisky/bourbon’ project that’s good for the environment and good for business.
Ever wondered what happens to the leftover ‘mash’ after a delicious batch of bourbon is distilled? Traditionally, it’s been treated as waste, but Kanadevia INOVA, a global green-tech leader located in Zurich, Switzerland, has a vision that’s turning this “waste” into a sustainable success story!
Let’s head to Boston, Kentucky (yes, you read that right!), where Kanadevia INOVA is working its magic on distillery stillage.
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Is this post too late? Hopefully not – there are still a few days until Christmas. Continuing the theme, ‘Christmas doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet’.
This is a time for joy, love, and giving BUT it often comes with a surge in waste and environmental impact. This year, let’s strive for a greener Christmas by making conscious choices.
Here are a few simple ways to make your festive season more sustainable – that means having no or little negative impact on the planet and its resources. Focusing on ‘shopping, ‘gifting’ and ‘eco-friendly decorations’ in this blog.
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Remember that amazing whale memorial sculpture I wrote about some time ago, Commensalis, that’s being created to commemorate the whaling industry in South Georgia?
Well, I’ve got a super cool update on the project!.
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Having just read an Instagram post from Rosie of elouise MAKES about how she packages her beautiful ethical, animal based jewellery (made from recycled silver and gold) in fully recyclable parcel paper. She is on a mission to make this Christmas more sustainable.
Delving deeper I came across some staggering statistics, especially concerning how much wrapping paper that CAN’T be recycled is thrown away.
Christmas doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet. That’s what being more ‘sustainable’ means, having less effect on our planets resources. So this little blog is about all a few things you CAN easily do to make your Christmas ‘footprint’ less and make it a more sustainable Christmas, with a focus on paper.
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A major draw for visitors to the Isle of Islay is to visit one or two of the top distilleries. There are more distilleries on this island, per square meter, than any other Scottish island. As a peaty whisky lover, Islay is a paradise for me, with Lagavulin my favourite brand. But there was a surprise in store for me.
Having taken many a whisky distillery in my time, this time I noticed something very different with our Lagavulin tour – they talked about the SUSTAINABLE aspects of their production, in particular with reference to water. I am a passionate supporter of organisations that take sustainability very seriously.
Until I got home and contacted them for more information, I didn’t understand the significance of what Diageo, the business behind Lagavulin, are working on in this regards. Discover this incredible story with me.
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Just the name itself attracts me!
Set on the tranquil shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this somewhat contemporary hotel, ‘Another Place, The Lake‘, is nestled amongst the trees with breathtaking views of the fells and the lake. It’s quite a mystical spot in one respect, in that we arrive there and seem to relax instantly! For me this perfect holiday scenario is backed up by the hotel’s extensive ‘sustainability’ programme, of which I am learning much more this trip.
Imagine my joy when I found out that The Machrie, where we had booked to stay on the Isle of Islay, had been acquired by ‘Another Place’.
I had to find out what their plans were…..
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There’s only one way to really see the islands in the Inner Hebrides and that’s to get in a boat. Being on the Isle of Islay for a few days, seemed a perfect excuse to book a boat trip. When I booked Venture West and chatted to Sandy a boat trip around Jura fitted the bill. Picking up at Port Askaig on Islay, dropping in at the distillery of course, exploring remote shores and historic spots – being the home of George Orwell, where he wrote 1984. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool was also on the list, one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world … in one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles! Gulp.
For me, I wanted to get close up to nature. With the hope of seeing dolphins, seals and birds of prey, a boat trip is one of the best ways to do this. Why? Being amongst nature inspires us to protect it.
But of course, the itinerary could change…
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Come and meet the characters at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre – and I don’t mean Stewart and Kevin, the very hands on owners and falconry experts at the centre. But the many rescued and restored to health hawks, owls, raptors and eagles and then some unexpected visitors like Delta, the Caracara.
But first, let me tell you why this centre is so important, why we actively support them and why you might consider doing the same.
Three good reasons, it’s an exhilarating experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and health benefits. With its vast array of lochs, rivers, and rugged coastlines, Scotland offers some of the most stunning and diverse wild swimming spots in the world.
Whether you’re plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Loch Lomond, navigating the bracing waves of the North Sea, or dipping into a secluded river pool in the Highlands, wild swimming in Scotland connects you directly with nature in a way that few other activities can.
Wet suit packed and ready, here’s what I tried…
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Charming Glenapp Castle, all turrets and towers. Tucked away on the West Coast of Scotland, within walking distance of the little coastal town of Ballantrae, this ‘lesser-travelled’ part of the Scottish lowlands is where we kicked off a three week tour.
A somewhat ‘fairytale’ of a place, nestled in the trees, scarcely visible until you are on it, with tantalisingly long and windy gated drives as the only access. How would this first few days of our three week trip unfold…
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This latest selection of our Antarctica documentary film for The WildLife Conservation Film Festival is a significant achievement, as it underscores the critical message of conservation we aim to convey.
The festival’s focus on wildlife conservation aligns perfectly with the film’s mission to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the region, from climate change to wildlife preservation. Being part of this festival amplifies our film’s impact, fostering important conversations and inspiring action to protect one of the planet’s last untouched frontiers.
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Always wondered what it’s like to fly First Class to Maldives, transitioning through Dubai, with Emirates? We did too and well, life really is too short not to experience it once, given the opportunity.
Showering at 43,100 feet in a plane is certainly a far cry from the cramped, uncomfortable long haul flight of our normal Economy Class, so I was looking forward to this experience. But would it really stand up to my scrutiny and was it worth the extra, significant, cost?
Read on to get the answer…. oh and watch the videos, that’s a good way to come with me for this Emirates First Class experience.
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Officially ‘Award Winning’ at the Rome International Short Film Festival for our ‘Antarctica. A Life Changing Experience’ documentary. Thrilled!
A master of his art Bruno Zaugg, Design-Factory GmbH, the film producer and director, has expertly and sensitively created this documentary, showcasing my passion for this region of the planet, especially my passion for penguins, the challenges the wildlife faces through the accelerated climate change and some simple steps we can all take to reduce our negative effect on the planet.
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One that’s not obvious to guests staying at the Burj Al Arab.
My turtle discovery journey started right outside the Jumeirah Al Naseem, where several ‘recovery’ lagoons are located and you can participate in daily turtle feeding (not during the very hot summer months, they tuck them away somewhere cooler). Afterwards, I spoke to one of the staff who surprised me! There’s a whole rehabilitation programme, right at the Burj Al Arab. We were able to get a ‘back of house’ tour with the Aquarium and Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project Director, Barbara Lang-Lenton.
This was one of those moments where you realise you don’t have to scratch far under the surface to find the unexpected. This is what we saw…
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Expedition cruises can be unique learning experiences. And we aren’t talking just history and culture but also taking part in some very useful Polar Citizen Science.
If you have read my Citizen Science blog from Antarctica, then you know it was something I found pretty cool on that expedition. Why? Because it’s a way of giving back of course. Was going to be interesting to compare what we found in the Antarctic to the Arctic.
From plant identification to collecting plankton samples, here is what ‘us passengers’ got up to, doing their bit for Polar Citizen Science on our recent ‘Circumnavigating Spitsbergen In The Realm of the Polar Bear’ voyage – hence the 9 scientist day reference! This time I wanted to get out on the science zodiac taking samples… or that’s what I thought!
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It’s interesting where and when some of the best ideas can spring to mind. Of course, the difference is whether those ideas are acted on or not. Bringing this story of the SeaHives to you as it’s another excellent example of how an individual or two are making a positive impact on the planet, one step at a time.
What’s unique about this story is materials that potentially cause lasting damage in our oceans, instead of being discarded, are recycled into something new that is restoring life… but I am getting ahead of myself!
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Has to be done – add it to your bucket list!
We took the helicopter sightseeing tour of Dubai, from what is touted to be the most famous helipad in the world. Remember Tiger Woods tee’ing off and Roger Federer vs Andre Agassi tennis match on top of this iconic hotel? Loved David Coulthard’s F1 ‘donuts’ – this helipad boasts plenty of historic events. And we were there!
But just what was the experience like?
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Staying at the Burj Al Arab, this iconic hotel in Dubai is my husband’s favourite place in the world – well to be precise, sitting outside on the terrace having breakfast is it! Plus the ‘buzz’ at the Sal restaurant.
Our experiences, over the years, have given us a list that is kind of our ‘gold standard’ that we measure places we stay at against. Mostly this list stems from places like the Burj Al Arab and the Four Seasons Maldives, and to some extent Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond and Inverlochy Castle hotel – but not always!
The Burj Al Arab is a special place, as you might expect, but our lasting memories may not be what you would expect…
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Four selections this week! It’s obviously ‘Film Festival’ season right now as they are coming into Bruno’s inbox thick and fast. And what a gift that is for the environment.
This second film is longer than the first, more of a documentary and using much of the video footage that we took on our expedition to South Georgia Island and Antarctica. Funny though, as I looked back searching through our photographs and video’s for good footage for the film, I realised that IF I had known that I would be writing and making short films back then, I would have done things differently. Well, I guess who wouldn’t.
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That’s a big reputation for a small shrimp-like crustacean to live up to. But they are indeed giants in their ecological significance.
Serving as the primary food source for innumerable marine species, including whales, seals, penguins – especially Adelie and Chinstrap penguins – and fish, they are key in the Antarctic food chain.
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Am thrilled to announce, our ‘ANTARCTICA. A Life Changing Experience’, short film has been selected for the Barcelona International Environmental Film Festival in November.
As you may know, this is our second film, a little longer, more of a documentary and using much of the video footage that we took on our expedition to South Georgia Island and Antarctica.
It’s all about maximising the reach of the messages in the film for us. And to know that we can actively promote organisations that are protecting the Antarctic regions and our Southern Ocean.
That’s what makes this selection particularly exciting…..
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Disembarkation day. It was an early start, cases outside the room by 7am, out of the cabin at 8 am and ready to head onto the bus around 8.40 am. A quick tour to Camp Berantz before being dropped at the airport.
To be honest, none of us really knew what Camp Berantz was! Or why we were going there. But I have to say it turned out to be quite a special moment.
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Just about everyone we were with on our Hurtigruten’s ‘Circumnavigating Spitsbergen – In the Realm of the Polar Bear’ trip with wanted to see a polar bear. Well, of course, thats one of the main things you visit for.
But it’s definitely not as easy as you think! You can say that about most wildlife of course, it plays to its own tune and if you spot anything in the Arctic, especially in the ocean, then you are very privileged.
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What’s the first thing you think about when planning a trip to the Arctic? Most probably, will I see a Polar Bear?
What’s the second thing you think about? Which of the many trips should I go on and which am I and my party best suited to?
Both are very good questions.
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Oslo seems to have more than its fair share of them. We kicked off our trip, ultimately to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, with a short stay at The Grand, Oslo but not before an interesting beginning to our adventure…
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Very excited to hear that our film ‘It’s time to act. NOW’ has been nominated for another short film festival – Germany this time.
All you need to know follows and if you haven’t seen the film yet, then you can watch it here – it’s only 2 minutes!
We hope it’s a film that will keep giving – to those organisations that are already working on protecting the Antarctica and all that is in our Southern Ocean.
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A powerful advocate for the environment, a guardian of cultural heritage and a catalyst for change, all describe ‘Polar Art’ to me. When someone captures the stark beauty and profound significance of the Artic and Antarctic regions, it’s not just an artistic endeavour.
May seems to be the month for ‘Art Trails and ‘Open Studio’s’ across the UK and I reconnected with a fellow shipmate from our trip to South Georgia and Antarctica, Polar Artist Helen Young, at her Open Studio event as part of the Oxfordshire Art Weeks.
Come with me as I recount the experience of what I can only describe as a quintessential British garden party but with substance, in the depths of stunning countryside that is Oxfordshire.
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Finding a gift shop in a 5 star hotel that has something different, local – well British at least – and perhaps if you are lucky enough, sustainable, is pretty rare I have found. More often than not you find expensive, generic brands that leave you with a sense of blandness and lack of creativity!
Keely van Dam, has brought something special to Chewton Glen’s gift shop. Shaped somewhat out of our experiences during the COVID pandemic, where small local independents came into their own as we took those early steps back into shared spaces, she delivers a totally different experience for guests and visitors….
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Seaweed may become another ‘thing’ for me. But in all seriousness it’s fascinating to dive into these topics, but even more fascinating to uncover local stories that are supporting this welcomed shift we are seeing to a better appreciation of our surrounding nature. This beautiful illustration of Cornish Seaweed by Rachel Akerman, is definitely to be appreciated.
But it’s more than that. This shift – I am hoping – may help each of consider what small changes we might make that will have less impact on our planet and that nature.
Let’s head to Marazion, a coastal town in Cornwall….
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Chewton Glen is a glorious and luxurious place to stay, set in 135 acres of beautiful rolling grounds.
Would it surprise you that what excited me most was a tour around their waste management area by their very informed Deputy General Manager, Raymond de Toulouse Lautrec? Probably not by now…. just to prepare you for my ‘bin’ conversation!
But what’s this about the bees? My Dad was an avid gardener and I have fond memories of helping him tend our good sized garden of vegetables and flowers as a little girl. Everything was grown from seed, kept from the previous year. Plant cuttings and vegetable gluts were shared with neighbours as were gardening tips on what to grow with what to keep the bugs in check. Everything that could be was composted. He taught me all I know and his presence is always with me when I garden – not surprising, so many of my plants are from him!
My conversation with the Estate Manager, Darren Venables stirred those memories and really got me thinking about all that Darren told me he was trying achieve….
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Hands up who knows the remarkable story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s voyage to Antarctica on the ship Endurance? It’s the one that took place in 1914 on his endeavour to attempt the first land crossing of the Antarctic, from the Weddell Sea through the South Pole to the Ross Sea.
Remember the part where Shackleton and his men are stranded on Elephant Island? He takes a lifeboat with Frank Worsley, Tom Crean and three others battling treacherous seas and ice for 16 days and 800 miles before reaching the ‘wrong’ side of South Georgia, with mountains between them and the whaling station that could provide the help to rescue his men…
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I’m beginning to think I really should have tried harder in Geography at school! Why? Well, when a colleague mentioned the Sargasso Sea, I had absolutely no idea where it was or why I should be so interested in it. Let me tell you, since last week that has certainly changed. Whilst not claiming to have got anything close to being an authority on its importance, a chance invitation to an expert meeting, had me rubbing shoulders with some pretty key people that definitely are! Here’s what I learnt…
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When we think about Antarctica, what tends to come to mind are penguins, whales, seals and of course, snow and ice but unless you have been able to see it for yourself, the vastness and brutality of its stunning scenery are hard to convey in photographs and indeed through paintings.
But that’s exactly what the Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute (FoSPRI) annual ‘Artist In Residence’ scheme looks to achieve. Each artist, will have their own unique style capturing Antarctica or the Artic in ways we would not necessarily think about and opening our eyes to new perceptions.
As an FoSPRI member, we joined a preview evening in London of the most recent work and got to speak to the artist, Polly Townsend, first hand about how she transferred her experiences to canvas…
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Is there anything better than the English country garden in the Spring? Two nights at Gravetye Manor makes you appreciate all that is good about this part of England. I swear it was a degree warmer! But that’s not it. Perhaps the locally produced English sparkling wine, the meadows and tranquil gardens littered with spring flowers, the warm comfortable welcome from the happy helpful Gravetye team and the excellent cuisine? Yes, absolutely.
But of course, for me there was more… some surprising hidden ‘goodness’ that radiates outwards from this stately, historic manor hotel….
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After the success of our short film “It’s time to act. NOW“, we didn’t want to stop there! Continuing the collaboration with the various environmental organisations, we’ve produced a short documentary film that follows my life-changing voyage to South Georgia Island and Antarctica.
Join me as I share my journey and experiences in this very visual way, demonstrating how each of us can contribute to the preservation of our environment and the eco-systems that we are both part of and dependent upon….
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Thats a very good question and scientists quite frankly are divided. I think it could be another ‘audacious goal’ but share the nervousness that, like my last week’s blog on the Arctic, we are interfering with nature and eco-systems in a big way and don’t necessarily understand yet the implications of that.
Here’s the dilemma…
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My colleague and fellow adventurer to Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, Brad Borkan – co-author extraordinaire of ‘Audacious Goals, Remarkable Results‘, writes about how an early explorer, a statesman and an engineer have shaped our current world by setting themselves audacious goals and not being put off by the naysayers!
He pointed out to me that we are seeing these audacious goals now in relation to the Arctic. We know the ice is melting. We know our wildlife – the bears, the seals, whales, foxes, birds – are suffering with the break up and disappearance of the ice shelves that they live, hunt and breed on.
BUT, things are happening! One or two humans are aiming high – audacious goals are needed to save the Arctic. Here is what we are seeing….
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Ok, I admit it – it was my birthday early February. Unlike the past two years, we were at home! Now I love birthday celebrations, my husband would rather leave the country! Couple that with our, what seems like permanent search for ‘fun’ or different hotels, those with a good vibe, great music – or at least not ‘parlour’ music – and a good view, a short London stay fitted the bill. The Treehouse London Hotel, Langham Place, London popped up on my Google search. Ooooh, I thought, that looks interesting. Roof top bar, perfect! It was indeed a perfect stay, one of the best and fun hotels we have stayed in.
But you know me, I always like to look deeper …. this is what I found….
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Onboard our Polar Latitudes trip to Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica full focus was on the precious environment we were in and minimising our impact such as we could. Onboard the ship many things were already in place. No plastics, water stations and refillable bottles, bio-digester for food waste and pre-shore visit lectures with IAATO guidelines to adhere to. No food to be taken ashore and critical to ensure everything you went with came back with you. Humour is a great way to deliver these messages, and our team of guides were excellent on this score!
But for South Georgia and Antarctica there was much more, and here is why….
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Just heard the news! Our short film will be screened on Sunday, 3rd March, 19.00 at the Cinéma Variétés in Nice and competes in the category “Best Short Documentary”.
What does that mean to us? Well maybe not what you think…
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This is quite an introduction from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO):
‘Antarctica is a unique and one of the most perfectly preserved regions on the planet…. see how we work to keep it that way’.
IAATO
Since the first mainland Antarctic landing, thought to be by the sealer Captain John Davis on 7th February 1821 to the first tourist expedition in mid-1900’s there have and always will be, people who want to experience Antarctica. Initially it was the science, pursuit of knowledge and of course geographic claim that were the key reasons for making the treacherous journey to this remote land. With the Artic being more accessible and cheaper to reach, Antarctica escaped mass tourism until the 1900’s then this is what happened…
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Part 2 of 3: Scott Polar Research Institute – Polar Museum, Cambridge
Planning our short trip away in the UK following some medical ‘stuff’ I had always wanted to visit the Scott Polar Museum at the research centre in Cambridge. My blog last week, our short stay at The Graduate Cambridge, was part 1 of 3 with this visit being the main reason for the Cambridge trip
2024 will bring a trip to the Arctic for me in June – totally different of course in every way to the Antarctica trip but still with some common threads through explorers like Roald Amundsen reaching both the South and North Pole, I thought a history lesson at the museum was a good place to start.
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And can you guess who Antarctica’s most beloved citizens are?
Do you know how difficult it is to get a good photograph of any part of a whale? Well you have to be lucky enough to see them in the first place of course and then have the camera ready just at that exact time they breach to capture that tail or fin. What I didn’t know before our Antarctica trip is that these whale photographs – photos to follow in this blog – capturing precious memories for each of the passengers, could make a much wider contribution….
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Remember the very successful Charity Auction in July for both South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and the UK Antarctica Heritage Trust (UKAHT)? There were some fabulous donations and some surprising ones – Four Seasons Maldives kindly donated 5 large Coral Frames to the auction! What’s the link? It’s kind of like connecting the dots – except with oceans instead! The Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean to be precise, they are joined – get out a map and check it out. But still the SGHT Team and Four Seasons ‘ummed and ahhed’ over whether the ‘ocean restoration and conservation’ association between these two distant places would result in auction bids for the frames. It did!
Curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to know the stories behind the like-minded people who successfully bid on the coral frames. Fortunately, they both agreed to let me share some insights….
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One of our most precious continents. Subject to and suffering from the increases in temperatures to both oceans and atmosphere. Such significant consequences to so much and so many, as sea levels rise and the Southern Ocean’s currents change with the ice melt from what is the planet’s greatest freshwater reserve.
This short ‘teaser’ film, showcasing the collapse of Antarctica is meant to draw your attention to the dramatic effects that are happening right now.
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Why the Grytviken ‘spirit tables’ sculpture is important – a visitors perspective!
Future generations cannot learn from history if we eradicate the visible signs and monuments – that’s my belief. Nothing was more pertinent and obvious to me in South Georgia. The juxtaposition of the beauty and extensive wildlife on its beaches and surrounding ocean, compared to the remains of the Grytviken whaling station, where we nearly wiped out entire whale species, is a case in point. This place has much visible evidence of human devastation on our wildlife. Combining the ‘then and now’ is tricky, but it seems ‘art’ might provide a solution – a way of expressing history, AND showing hope.
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It’s very difficult to describe life changing experiences. Standing on Gold Harbour beach at 5.30am witnessing the sheer volume of life and realising the absolute fragility of the planet, exacerbated by man…… was like no other moment in my life.
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Ever been to a trade show or trade fair? Perhaps the British Motor Show, or if you are an IT professional then CeBIT (the largest information technology trade show in the world)? Look around at all of the custom stands, all the materials recently put up to house the exhibitors and promote their brand, soon to be torn down and discarded the minute the show doors close. Well here is a story of one Graphic Design company, Design-Factory GmbH that had a vision, 15 years or so ago, inspired by the waste bin.
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Watch episode 6 of Frozen Planet II and I challenge you not to want to take immediate action to reduce your contribution to warming our planet. The loss of ice at both poles, is already devastating species – I added my tears to those of the scientist returning to where the Adele penguin colonies used to be on the West of Antartica, and are no longer. And was heart broken to see their babies dying due to the rain that now falls on their colonies, instead of the crisp cold snow their downy coats can cope with.
But what can each individual do? Here are 3 things to start with.
Read moreScientists exploring the impact of #krill fishing on #whales in #Antarctica @AntarcticaSouth
Scientists are using acoustic monitoring in Antarctica’s icy waters to explore the impact of krill fishing on whales, with the goal of strengthening CCAMLR protections. Follow their journey to retrieve vital data collection devices.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/20042025/antarctic-ocean-whale-krill-fishing-research/
You know that moment friends give u a gift & u think ‘what the *****’! Then u finish that challenging, satisfying project, where the world stopped each hour you sat building @LEGO_Group, #Shackleton ‘s ‘Endurance, you realise those #friends know you better than you know yourself
‘Cuddle Puddle’ is a bit too hot for these beautiful #owl chicks
Just loving @RobertEFuller live cam
#tawnyowl #owl #nature #wildlife #conservation
When it gets too hot in the owl chick 'cuddle puddle'... 🦉🥵
When temperatures soar, owl chicks pant to cool off. The correct term for this behaviour is 'gular fluttering'.
Watch this tawny owl nest on my live cams 👇https://www.robertefuller.com/pages/live-from-fotherdale
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