(a species of owlet moth (Noctuid)) Some caterpillars, after they emerge from their egg, can increase their weight by 25,000 times.

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About the Antarctic Heritage Trust

The Antarctic Heritage Trust (the trust) is a New Zealand-based charity formed in 1987. Its aim is to care for the heritage of the huts in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, on behalf of the international community.

The trust is represented in Britain by a UK consultant, and works with a number of international organisations, including its sister trust the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust.

The trust's vision is both to conserve the physical legacy of the huts and to inspire people with the values of adventure, discovery and endurance. The trust also creates strategic partnerships with organisations such as the Natural History Museum to drive an educational outreach programme, which includes this website and the conservators' conservation blog.

Conserving cans left behind by the explorers. © Antarctic Heritage Trust

Conserving cans left behind by the explorers. © Antarctic Heritage Trust

To save the huts, the trust recognised in 2001 that a major conservation project would be required, and in 2002 the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project was launched by HRH Princess Anne, in Antarctica.

The work being done by the conservators this year is a key part of this project. The trust, supported by Antarctica New Zealand, co-ordinates experienced professionals to travel to the sites and undertake conservation work. The project draws on input from heritage specialists and consultants from around the world. 

Antarctic conservation blog
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Cartoon image of a snake disappearing through closing door

There are 27 km of specimen shelves in the Darwin Centre - the same distance as between the Museum and Junction 6 of the M1.