UK Antarctic Heritage Trust
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is a British charity, registered in 1993. The UKAHT is a member of the Antarctic Heritage Trust coalition. The UKAHT's Patron is HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal and Sir Edmund Hillary KG is a Vice Patron.
The organization's stated goals are as follows:
- Help conserve selected early British scientific bases on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia region for the enjoyment and education of visitors. The UKAHT operates Port Lockroy, which is designated Historic Site and Monument (No. 61) under the Antarctic Treaty;
- Support the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust in conserving the historic huts in the Ross Sea area built by the explorers Scott, Shackleton and Borchgrevink;
- Promote an educational programme to stimulate public interest in science, the global environment and Antarctic research through the inspiration of earlier British Antarctic endeavors;
- Help with the acquisition and preservation of British historical Antarctic artefacts.
Port Lockroy (Historic Site No. 61 under the Antarctic Treaty) is staffed on behalf of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust during the austral summer. The UKAHT has also played a key role in the repair and conservation of this site.
In 2004, the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust began a comprehensive restoration project in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, focusing on huts belonging to explorers of the region. Although the New Zealand branch of the Trust has operational responsibility for the project, the UK Trust is a supporter of the efforts which include the preservation of huts belonging to Sir Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott (both British explorers).
- McGourty, Christine (2001-12-17). Princess on Antarctic mission. BBC News. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- Bryson, Bill, Sir Neil Cossons, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Philippa Foster Back, Lady Scott, the Hon Alexandra Shackleton, Lord Smith of Finsbury (2006-05-15). Antarctic huts at risk. The Times. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- Jenkins, Simon (2006-04-28). A corner of Antarctica that will be for ever Britain, no matter the cost. The Guardian. Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
- British Antarctic Survey: Port Lockroy Station Natural Environment Research Council
- UK Antarctic Heritage Trust web site