Turning our birthday into a wild celebration | | |
Twenty‑one years ago, the South Georgia Heritage Trust was founded with a clear purpose: to safeguard the island’s extraordinary natural environment and protect its remarkable historical legacy. Since then, we’ve worked tirelessly to help conserve South Georgia’s wildlife, share its stories with the world, and preserve the sites that hold its rich past.
As we mark this milestone anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on the wonders of South Georgia’s wildlife - the penguins, seals, seabirds, and countless other species that make this island unlike anywhere else on Earth. We asked our staff to pick their favourites too!
Here’s to 21 years of conservation, heritage, and the wild beauty of South Georgia as well as everything still to come.
| | A small charity still making a BIG difference 21 years on | | | | Raise a toast to 21 years! | |
You can mark 21 years of South Georgia conservation success by making a simple, one-off donation of ÂŁ21.
Your support will help us do more to protect and preserve the island’s wildlife, environment, and heritage into the future.
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“I love the Wandering Albatross, the huge chicks sitting on the nests waiting patiently for their parents to return exemplify the beauty and vulnerability of South Georgia for me.”
Bring a touch of the wild into your life with this beautifully framed Meg Hawkins albatross print. Presented in a sleek black frame, it captures the effortless grace of an albatross. If you love this cute chick, we also sell Christmas cards with them on!
| | Liz, Head of Product Development & Buying | |
"The South Georgia Pipit with its sweet song so good to see now increasing in numbers."
Celebrate one of South Georgia’s most charming residents with this beautifully framed pipit print by Meg Hawkins. Perfect for gifting.
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Lauren, Operations Manager (Off Island)

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"I love the snow petrels, you don’t see them often on island, so their elusiveness means when you do see one, you must stop, point and announce, 'Snow Petrel!' which feels cosy."
This book explores more than 80 species of birds, seals and cetaceans found on and around the island, alongside its remarkable invertebrates.
| | | | | Every rivet tells a story: by sponsoring a rivet on the Whale Memorial, you’re helping to honour South Georgia's lost whales as well as celebrate their recovery and return to its waters. | | | | | Luke, Director of Development | |
“For me you can’t beat a feisty fur seal! Ok, well in fact you can: fur seal pups! Honestly love them all, from the boisterous, battle worn bulls to the playful (and far more polite!) pups. Thankfully they’re recovery story has been generally positive and there are currently lots of characterful fur seals to see at South Georgia.”
Celebrate South Georgia’s rich natural and cultural heritage with this limited‑edition twin set of playing cards, produced by the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards under Master Nick Prentice. Created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first landing on South Georgia on 17 January 1775, this special release is a true collector’s item.
A striking blend of history, artistry and storytelling, this limited‑edition set is perfect for collectors, heritage enthusiasts and anyone with a love for South Georgia.
| | Credit: Hungry Humpbacks, images collected under scientific permit SGSSI RAP 2023-40 & RAP 2024-039. | Jo, Communications Officer | |
"I love the whales and their story of recovery as they return to South Georgia’s waters - it feels like watching hope surface again. Seeing humpbacks glide through the bays after so many years away is a powerful reminder of how nature can heal when given the chance."
This attractive sterling silver whale tail pendant makes a timeless addition to any jewellery collection. Paired with a 22" (56cm) sterling silver curb chain and presented in a smart gift box, it’s ready to give as a thoughtful present or to enjoy yourself. Also available as earrings and a set of cuff links.
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Will, Operations Manager (on-island)
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"My favourites are easily the southern elephant seals. Their massive size and bizarre faces make them look otherworldly. When they fight, you really get a sense for the power of nature."
Each bracelet links you to a real seal, complete with their name, photo, and personal story. Use the Fahlo app on your phone or tablet to watch your seal’s travels in real time and explore fun stats like speed and distance covered.
Created with UC Santa Cruz’s Beltran Lab and the Seymour Marine Discovery Centre, every purchase helps fund scientific research, education, and community conservation.
Perfect for ocean lovers and eco‑conscious gifters. Each bracelet includes the Fahlo Protection Ping for safe, ethical wildlife tracking.

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Stephanie, Trusts Fundraising Manager
"I love the birds you can find in South Georgia from the tiny, determined pipits darting through the tussac to the soaring petrels that seem to ride the wind itself. They give the island so much life and character."
The South Georgia and Southern Ocean Regional Chart 2 is a beautiful colour artwork featuring whales, petrels, pipits, albatrosses and penguins - all species that define the island’s remarkable wildlife.
Painted by Bruce Pearson to support our environmental work, each print is individually signed and numbered, printed on high‑quality Hammermühle paper with light‑fast inks, and sized 51 × 37 cm with a generous border for framing.
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"Krill (Euphausia superba) underpin the ocean ecosystem surrounding South Georgia. They support life from the largest and charismatic species, like baleen whales, to some of the smallest fish in the ocean. Their abundance provides life! They hang out with their friends all day, swarming in ideal conditions."
Bring the beauty of South Georgia’s wildlife into your kitchen with this stunning organic cotton tea towel, featuring original watercolour artwork by renowned artist Meg Hawkins. Showcasing iconic island bird species - including the Albatross, Pintail Duck, South Georgia Pipit and Antarctic Tern - it blends natural history with Meg’s distinctive artistic charm. Also available as a matching apron.
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"I think king penguins really are the iconic face of South Georgia: tall, striking, and impossible to miss with those bright flashes of orange."
This exclusive SGHT luxury hat: soft, warm and beautifully made, it’s crafted to withstand the harshest climates while feeling light and luxurious. Each hat is made in New Zealand using a premium blend of ZQ merino wool, New Zealand Brushtail Possum fibres and Mulberry silk.
It is ethically sourced from free‑range, non‑mulesed sheep, while the possum fibres are a by‑product of New Zealand’s national eradication programme, helping protect native ecosystems from this invasive species.
| | | | Jayne, South Georgia Museum Curator | |
"My favourite time of the year is early November. The elephant seal pups have weaned and been abandoned by mothers to find their own way in life. You find these cute fat sausages all around the base in strange places, looking dazed and confused, like they have dropped out of the sky from space."
Introducing our charming Seal Pup design bone china mug, featuring original artwork by Meg Hawkins. Crafted to the highest quality, it’s a standout addition to any mug collection.
Each mug comes boxed, making it an ideal gift for South Georgia enthusiasts. With a 30cl capacity, it’s both dishwasher and microwave safe - practical, elegant and full of character.
| | Credit: Stanislav Stelmakhovich, CC0. | Ann, Online Shop & Finance Assistant | |
“I love the humpback whales that surround South Georgia. Watching them in a place once defined by whaling, feels like witnessing resilience in motion."
Connect with the ocean in a meaningful way with the Track a Whale bracelet. It links you to a whale, complete with their name, photo and story, offering a unique window into their world.
Created in partnership with the FIU Marine Mammal Ecology Lab, every purchase supports wildlife conservation, scientific research and community engagement. Also available as a penguin and seal.
| Credit: Marie Ann D'Aloia | |
"It’s so hard to pick just one species of penguin. They’re all such characters, each with their own charm. From the bold little gentoos to the loud chinstraps, they’re endlessly entertaining."
This beautifully crafted penguin engraved hip flask is made in Sheffield by the renowned English Pewter Company. Produced from a high‑quality, lead‑free pewter blend, it offers a bright, durable finish with exceptional craftsmanship.
A charming way for you to raise a toast to the Boss. Available as a shot glass.
| | Burnets don't hurt the seal, credit: Jayne Pierce | Nini, Project Manager for SGHT | |
"My favourite is the hybrid burnet (Acaena magellanica × tenera)! Such a small plant, but such a lovely reminder of South Georgia’s unique flora especially as it's endemic."
Explore the remarkable plant life of South Georgia with this detailed field guide, describing the island’s native species.
Designed as a practical companion, the booklet is illustrated throughout with clear colour photographs and includes a helpful checklist of native plants at the back.
| Credit: Andrew Shiva, CC BY-SA 4.0 | |
"I love that this mug brings together so many of the species you see around the front 'garden' of South Georgia Museum - from the ever‑curious penguins to the elusive leopard seal. It feels like holding a little snapshot of the island’s wildlife in your hands."
Celebrate the heritage of South Georgia with this beautifully designed bone china mug by Susan Rose. Handmade and hand‑finished by a skilled china maker in the Longton region of Stoke‑on‑Trent, it combines traditional craftsmanship with a clean, elegant design inspired by the island’s historic museum.
| | Credit: South Georgia Museum |
Andy, Designer
"It’s hard to beat the penguins that live on the island! They’re loud, full of personality, and absolutely unforgettable when you’re standing above a colony watching thousands of them calling. They make the whole landscape feel alive."
A classic baseball cap featuring an embroidered penguin, made from 100% cotton twill. In natural and navy colour, with an adjustable back buckle for a comfortable fit. You can also get the whale motif!
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Marie, IT Manager
"It’s too hard to pick a favourite when the wildlife is as amazing as South Georgia’s. How do you choose between them? Every species feels iconic in its own way."
This delightful set of four mixed‑design coasters features original watercolour artwork by UK artist and designer Meg Hawkins. Showcasing iconic South Georgia wildlife, each coaster brings a touch of the island’s natural beauty to your home. You can also get the whale motif on a hoodie!
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Would you like to send us a birthday gift?
Your support will help us do more to protect and preserve the island’s wildlife, environment, and heritage into the future.
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