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General information
General Information
Since 1982, many Service personnel have been detached to the Falkland Islands and the stories of island life that they have returned with are as varied as each individual's personal expectations and experiences. The weather plays a significant part in the factors affecting the quality of life here.
Comparatively, the weather is very similar to that experienced in the north of Scotland. As previously stated, the Falkland Islands do not have the benefit of a Gulf Stream, consequently the waters surrounding the Islands are cold - never reaching above 10° C, and, coupled with a wind speed roughly double that of the UK, land temperatures can be lower than those of the UK.
Rainfall is similar to the UK, with Stanley, on the east coast, averaging about 25 inches, however, this is the wettest area. It is not unusual to have snow, rain, sun and wind in one day, and temperatures that move up and down the thermometer throughout a 24-hour cycle!
With hiking, or "bimbling" as personnel call it, as a major past-time, it is, therefore, a pre-requisite to wear, or carry, essential items such as wet-weather clothing, warm hats, gloves and jumpers, when engaged in such activity. Other items well worth considering are gaiters and a rucksack suitable for carrying everything in. Clothing should be brightly coloured.
There is much to photograph on and around the Falkland Islands. Penguins are an obvious and rewarding subject, as well as the spectacular sunsets and the rugged countryside.
Stanley is an interesting place to visit, with its bright roofs and mixture of differing building techniques, from the air it seems like a painter's palette. There has been a substantial amount of building since the Conflict, but the centre of Stanley remains pretty much as it was. The contrast of places such as the new school with the houses of Pioneer Row, some of the oldest buildings, can make an interesting souvenir picture showing how the town is developing.
Christ's Church Cathedral with it's famous whalebone arch. Undoubtedly, the countryside, or "camp", while barren, is a much-photographed subject. The hills and the peat fields can hide many surprises for the tourist. There are 185 recorded species of birds either visiting or inhabiting the islands, of which a fair proportion are only found here. And, while there are no longer any indigenous land mammals to be found, there are many varieties of seal to be seen around the coast, as well as dolphins and whales sighted close inshore.
It must always be remembered that anybody visiting 'camp' must take care to respect all the rules governing the environment. The habitat should not be interfered with in any way: penguin colonies, in particular, are very susceptible to any interference. There has been a decline in breeding pairs over the years and it is felt that this is, in part, due to the increase in tourist numbers.
During the Summer the land is very dry and, as much of the vegetation is highly flammable, fire can be extremely hazardous. Unchecked, a fire can ignite the peat soil, which may burn for years, so it is imperative that all fires, including cigarette-ends, are completely extinguished after use.
To this end, Commander British Forces has laid down stringent rules to ensure that the military presence does as little as possible to upset the balance of nature here.
Therefore, the Country Code should always be observed, as in the United Kingdom. Particular care should be taken with gates, as there are many sheep and gates should be closed after being used. Rubbish should be brought back from any excursions and disposed of sensibly, not left to litter the countryside.
In short, this is a clean environment and personnel should respect that fact.
Outside the Complex, particularly in "camp", the roads are little more than tracks. The Stanley Road is metalled, in parts, but may still be considered dangerous, due to its composition and the strong cross-winds. It is by no means a busy road, so care must be taken, in all weathers.
Restrict your speed.
Wear a seatbelt, at all times.
Do not drink and drive.
There have been deaths on this road and others. Do not add to the statistics.
On a lighter note:
It may of historical interest to some that the phrases "to get a shed on" and "to get shedded", two phrases which have passed into the vernacular, have their origins in RAF Stanley. After the Conflict, Coastels, large, floating complexes, were used for the stopgap accommodation for Forces personnel. Outside the RAF Coastel was a Portacabin, which was used by NAAFI as a bar for the personnel of that Coastel. This establishment was known as "The Shed" and the name spawned a series of expressions related to the goings-on inside!
There used to be a policy among the military community which appears to have fallen into disrepair, which is a shame and an inconvenience to many.
With the weather as unpredictable as it is, with rain, snow and sun sometimes occurring in the same day, in conjunction with the relative air temperature, anybody driving along the road would stop and offer anyone who was walking a lift.
Walkers adopted a policy of walking on the left, if they wanted a lift and towards the traffic if they did not.
If you do happen across anybody walking on the edge of the road, stop and offer them a lift!
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