2026 Ratting Day held on 12th June
Report by Kelly Green
Photos from Savanna Green and Philip Kendall
Photo from Hillpiece shows a hunting dog approaching with the Patches Plain
- scene of much hunting and lunch parties - behind.
A hunter pauses to look out to see while on Hillpiece with the Hillpiece Hardies partly visible below.
On Friday 12th June, the Tristan da Cunha community once again came together for one of our most treasured traditions – Ratting Day.
Ratting Day has been part of island life for generations and combines friendly competition with an important conservation effort. Teams head out to the Potato Patches and surrounding areas to help control the rat population, protecting both crops and the island's unique wildlife. The tradition dates back many decades and remains an important part of Tristan culture.
We were fortunate to enjoy a lovely day, with friends and families gathering in the Patches, sharing food, laughter and plenty of friendly rivalry. As always, the day showcased the strong community spirit that makes Tristan da Cunha so special.
Congratulations to all the teams who took part. A total of 570 tails were counted across the island.
 |
 |
| A hunting gang gathers at a potential rat nest on the approach to Hillpiece | Two hunters check a possible rat lair in a gulley. |
 |
 |
| Dogs ready to hunt. | A rat being carefully lifted by spade. |
Men dig out a possible rat nest with dogs ready to pounce.
 |
 |
| Rat tails being carefully checked and counted by the judges. | Starting to gather the figures. |
Judges and referee drawing up final list of results.
Judges were: Dr Ross Moy, Dr Claire Vincent, Nurse Tris McCready, Veterinary Officer Riaan Repetto,
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello; Referee: Administrator Philip Kendall
Results:
Tails per person
🥇 First Prize Johnny Patch
🥈 Second Prize Old Pieces
🥉 Third Prize Second Watron
Longest Tail
🏆 First Prize Johnny Patch (26.5cm)
🥈 Second Prize Bills Hill (25cm)
Booby Prize
🤪 Coolers
Some notable team results included:
- Johnny Patch – 163 tails, 81.5 tails per man, longest tail 26.5cm
- Second Watron – 134 tails, 26.8 tails per man, longest tail 24.3cm
- Bills Hill – 104 tails, 26 tails per man, longest tail 25cm
- Old Pieces – 76 tails, 38 tails per man
- Below the Hill – 68 tails, 17 tails per man
Thank you to everyone who participated, prepared food, helped with the judging, and kept this wonderful Tristan tradition alive. We look forward to doing it all again next year!