At 64° South, on a tiny Antarctic island bustling with penguins, even the smallest lives leave a mark.

Join travel writer Peter John Watson in conversation with author and Antarctica-expert Katherine MacInnes as they discuss Peter's debut book 'Counting Penguins'.

In December 2025, travel writer Peter John Watson arrived at Port Lockroy, a former scientific base off the Antarctic Peninsula, to begin a three-month placement as a wildlife monitor for the charity, UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. Sharing the remote outpost with just a handful of humans and a thousand curious gentoo penguins, he balanced shifts counting chicks with welcoming passing cruise ships and sorting mail at the world’s southernmost post office, affectionately known as the ‘Penguin Post Office’.

Counting Penguins documents this life-changing experience at the edge of the world, whereclimate science, storied heritage and captivating wildlife converge. It's a story of isolation, resilience and hope, uncovering everything from months spent in perpetual daylight to the delightful (sometimes thieving) rituals of pebble-gifting penguins, and what we can learn from the world's most beloved birds. As the months pass, we see Watson shift from a restless, milestone-chasing travel writer to someone craving a smaller – but no less full – life, reflecting on the fragile hope of a new romance left back home and the quiet luxury of standing still.

This heartwarming tale offers a reminder that even in the coldest corners of the Earth, the smallest observations often lead to the greatest transformations.

'A beautifully evocative book coursing with wisdom and humour... I loved it.' – Helen MacDonald, author of H is for Hawk

'Transports you into the world of penguins and gives a rare insight into life in Antarctica. I loved this book so much.' – Lorraine Kelley

'Had me hooked on Antarctic life.' – Stephen Rutt, author of The Waterlands

'A cosy and heartwarming story of one person's relationship with nature." – Charlie Bingham

About the speakers

Peter John Watson is an adventure travel writer and founder of outdoor travel blog Atlas & Boots. His work has featured in The Guardian and National Geographic, among others. In 2023, he joined UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, a charity responsible for maintaining British heritage on the Antarctic Peninsula, including the southernmost post office at Port Lockroy. In 2025, Peter joined the Port Lockroy team as a wildlife monitor for three months.

Katherine MacInnes is the author of 'Snow Widows: Scott’s Fatal Antarctic Expedition Through the Eyes of the Women They Left Behind', 'Woman with the Iceberg Eyes: Oriana F. Wilson' and 'The Shortest History of Antactica', published October 2026. She has been shortlisted for the Biographer’s Prize and is a sought-after public speaker on polar history around the globe, from Norway to the Royal Geographical Society.

This event is being run in collaboration and support of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is a UK-based charity dedicated to preserving and sharing Britain’s fascinating history and legacy in Antarctica. UKAHT cares for six historic sites in Antarctica, and leads the conservation management plan for the wreck of Endurance.

Port Lockroy is the charity’s flagship site, located on Goudier Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. It is home to the world’s most southerly post office and a museum. For five months of the year, UKAHT sends a handpicked team - including a wildlife monitor - to live and work at Port Lockroy.

In addition to preserving British heritage, UKAHT works closely with BAS to monitor the impact of climate change on the wildlife, including capturing data on the resident gentoo penguins which is part of a long-term study of the breeding success of the colony.

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust relies on public donations to fund important conservation work in Antarctica and continue its penguin monitoring programme. For more information visit: ukaht.org (https://ukaht.org/)

The event will start promptly at 7.00pm, please arrive 10 minutes early.

Ticket with the book: £22.00 (save £6)

Ticket £8.00

Includes a complimentary glass of wine/soft drink on arrival.

The book will be for sale for 20% off on the night, but it is better value to buy in with the ticket in advance.

You can view the new book on our website here. (https://www.stanfords.co.uk/counting-penguins-how-a-penguin-colony-stole-my-heart-and-changed-my-life-9780241826522?queryID=81e91648c9d19f47c86ef4acb91d5b9c&objectID=294419&indexName=production_stanfords_store_view_products)

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Author talks are held in our basement which is fully accessible via a nearby lift. Please ask a member of staff who will accompany you.

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