Sheep Shearing Day, January 2026
Report by Kelly Green and Photos by Julia Gunther
Sheep Shearing Day took place on the 24th January 2026 and we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was one of those perfect Tristan days, clear skies, calm conditions, and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for a long day out with the community.
Herding the sheep into the pens.
Shearing is still an important part of island life, and the day brought together families, farmers, and helpers of all ages. There was a great atmosphere from start to finish, with everyone pitching in, catching up, and enjoying being outdoors while the work got done.
Bakkies gathered round the sheep pens.
Families working together at the sheep pens.
A long-standing island tradition
Sheep farming has been part of life on Tristan da Cunha since the earliest permanent settlement in the 1800s. With no large industries on the island, islanders relied heavily on livestock for food, clothing, and everyday necessities. Wool quickly became one of the most valuable resources, used to keep families warm and to create practical, long-lasting items.
Over the generations, sheep shearing has remained a seasonal routine passed down through families. While some equipment has changed over time, the heart of the day is still the same, a community effort where neighbours help neighbours, just as they always have.
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| Men sorting sheep in the pens, while lamb makes a bid for freedom. | |
Seeing eye to eye?
What happens to the wool?
After shearing, the wool is carefully collected, sorted, and cleaned. It is kept on the island and used locally, where it is spun and turned into traditional knitted items such as jumpers, hats, socks, and blankets. These wool products are well known for their warmth and durability and are still worn daily, especially during Tristan's cooler months.
Wool that is not suitable for knitting is also put to good use on the island. It is spread on the patches and used as a natural fertiliser and soil conditioner, helping to retain moisture and improve the growing conditions for crops.
Nothing goes to waste, and every fleece has a purpose, whether it is used for clothing, crafts, or supporting food production. It remains a truly sustainable tradition, rooted in making the most of what the island provides.
Mechanical and hand sheers working side by side in adjacent pens. Photo: Rob Kelly
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| Carrying lambs from a pen. | Newly marked sheep. |
Lifting fleeces out of a pen.
It was also a lovely chance to capture some moments from the day, from the hard work in the pens to the relaxed conversations in between. Days like this really show the spirit of the island and how traditions are still very much alive.