Kelly Green's August report from Tristan
Life on Tristan: Penguins, Ships, and Challenges.
From Head of Tourism Kelly Green
It's been a busy few weeks here on Tristan da Cunha, with stories that capture both the wild heart of our island and the daily rhythm of community life. From the return of our Rockhopper Penguins to the arrival of supply ships, and the ever-present reminder of conservation challenges, here's a round-up of what's been happening on the world's most remote inhabited island at the end of August 2025.
A double rainbow over the village on 21st August 2025
The Return of the Rockhoppers
One of the most magical sights of the year is watching the Northern Rockhopper Penguins return to Tristan's shores. With their punky yellow crests and fiery red eyes, they're unlike any other bird, and they've been part of this island's story long before people ever set foot here.
Every season, they make the long journey back to breed. Rockhoppers usually lay two eggs, though it's rare for both chicks to survive. That makes each one that hatches and grows even more precious. This year, one penguin arrived on Tristan's Anniversary Day - 14th August - a beautiful reminder of how our human history and the island's natural cycles are always interwoven.
Life in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
In our little settlement, life continues with its steady beat. Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is not just the world's most remote capital it's the heart of our community. From children playing by the shore to families tending potato patches, every day here blends tradition, resilience, and the closeness of a village surrounded by ocean.
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It's the small things that make life here so special, catching up at the shop, watching the waves roll in, or sharing stories as the sun dips behind the volcano. These are the moments that remind us what island living is all about. The Challenge of RatsNot all of Tristan's stories are easy ones. Rats arrived in 1882 when the Yankee ship Henry B Paul was deliberately beached at Sandy Point, and remain a constant challenge for our island. They threaten ground-nesting seabirds by eating their eggs and chicks, and they also cause damage to crops and stored food. It's a reminder of how fragile island ecosystems can be, and why conservation work and community awareness are so important here. Protecting our wildlife and keeping balance with nature is part of our everyday life. |
| Kelly's amazing photograph captures a rat atop a Patches fence post. |
Ships on the Horizon
Photo from Calshot Harbour taken on 24th August 2025 shows a boat going out to the MFV Edinburgh
which arrived from Cape Town that day.
Life on Tristan is closely tied to the sea, and ships are always a cause for interest and activity. The MV Edinburgh has recently arrived, though as is often the case, we are still waiting for a break in the weather to offload cargo. The swell and winds can make even the simplest job of bringing goods ashore a real challenge.
We're also looking ahead to the arrival of the SA Agulhas II, due on the 10th of September. Her visits are always a big event, bringing not only supplies but also visitors and connections from afar. The island is quietly preparing, knowing that weather, as ever, will decide how smoothly things go.
Looking Ahead
From penguins reclaiming their nesting grounds, to the rhythms of village life, to the ships that connect us to the wider world, Tristan's story is always unfolding. There are challenges, there are moments of joy, and there is always the sense of a community living closely with the sea and the land.