Celebrating 30 years of UKAHT
28/07/2023
As UKAHT turns 30, we’re using the opportunity to reflect on some key moments from three decades of conserving, sharing and inspiring.
On 28 July 2023, UKAHT is turning 30. For three decades, we have had the privilege to conserve Antarctica’s unique heritage, share the continent’s ever-evolving stories and inspire others to see and experience Antarctica differently through innovative technology, art and culture.
In 1993, we didn’t have a single site to our name. Today, the Trust manages the restoration and care of six heritage huts and their treasures on the Antarctic Peninsula and is leading the Conservation Management Plan for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s shipwreck Endurance. As a charity, we couldn’t have done it without our supporters. As such, we are eternally grateful for all of your help in protecting and celebrating this precious place, then, now and into the future.
UKAHT's unfolding story
With that in mind, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the key moments from three decades of conserving, sharing and inspiring.
1993
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust was established to advance the education of the public by the preservation and protection of their Antarctic heritage.
1996
Port Lockroy is restored by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) supported by UKAHT.
One of UKAHT's first jobs was to help BAS restore Port Lockroy (Credit: BAS Archives)
1999
UKAHT assists the National Maritime Museum in saving nine polar lots for the nation including Scott’s sledging flag taken to the South Pole and Shackleton’s boat compass.
Scott’s sledging flag (Credit: National Maritime Museum)
2001
The Ross Sea Heritage Conservation Project launches. Helping to raise £3.5m to support the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust to conserve the explorers' huts of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Robert Falcon Scott.
2006
UKAHT takes over the management and continued restoration of Port Lockroy – welcoming visitors to the museum and running the ‘Penguin Post Office’ and capturing data for the study of the gentoo penguin colony.
Port Lockroy being restored in 2006 (Credit: Graham Gillie/UKAHT)
2006
UKAHT joins IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), helping to advocate and promote safe and environmentally friendly travel to the Antarctic.
2009
UKAHT takes responsibility for the management and conservation of Base W on Detaille Island, Base F Wordie House and Damoy Point.
Detaille Hut undergoing restoration in 2014 (Credit: T Morgan/UKAHT)
2009-2023
UKAHT takes an instrumental role in the British Antarctic Oral History Project with BAS, BAS Club and the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) to capture the human stories of Antarctica.
2010
UKAHT completes the reconstruction of the Nissen hut at Port Lockroy, which receives an award in 2011 from the Institute of Structural Engineers for its innovative adaptation.
The Nissen hut under construction in 2010 (Credit: Willem Tims/Shutterstock)
2012
Together with SPRI, UKAHT organised a service of remembrance for Captain Robert Falcon Scott at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.
2013-2014
UKAHT collaborates with the BBC on the production of a Natural World documentary, Penguin Post Office.
The BBC went south with us (Credit: UKAHT)
2014
Base E, Stonington Island, and Base Y, Horseshoe Island, are added to our portfolio of heritage responsibilities.
Horseshoe Island Hut (Credit: /UKAHT)
2016
With SPRI and the James Caird Society, UKAHT organises a commemoration for Sir Ernest Shackleton at Westminister Abbey on the centenary of the Endurance expedition.
The Westminister Abbey commemoration (Credit: UKAHT)
2016-2017
A Conservation Programme is initiated with detailed site surveys and 3D Base Modelling begins with the Mapping and Geographic Information Centre at BAS.
A 3D model of Wordie House (Credit: UKAHT)
2020
Antarctica InSight launches - a multimedia programme aiming to inspire people to discover and explore Antarctica.
2022
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office appoints UKAHT to lead the Conservation Management Plan for Shackleton’s shipwreck Endurance after it was found at the bottom of the Weddell Sea.
The wreck of Endurance (Credit: © Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust/National Geographic)
2023
UKAHT restores Damoy Hut, Antarctica’s only protected historic transit facility and skiway, to its original bright orange after a field team spends 26 days camping on the continent.
Damoy Hut after its repaint (Credit: Jo Bradshaw/UKAHT)
Support our work Protect Antarctica's heritage
Every membership and donation we receive helps our expert teams deliver vital conservation work across the heritage sites that we preserve. Without your support, sites of great importance in Antarctica's history could quickly deteriorate, taking with them historic artefacts, tales of scientific advancement and human endeavour that inform how we, as a global community, view and value Antarctica today. With your help, we can continue to conserve this special continent to ensure its protection for years to come.
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Follow a unique colony at the end of the world
The gentoos of Port Lockroy are perhaps some of the most famous penguins in the world! The colony made their home with us on Goudier Island over 30 years ago and we have been studying and contributing to their protection ever since. Inquisitive, fluffy and funny, we love sharing their activity with everyone around the world.
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