Iceworld British Antarctic Survey

In a conversation ranging from ice climbing to the trials of wearing a kilt in Antarctica, Nadia chats to Niall Macleod, the Plant Operator at Rothera Research Station through Antarctic Winter. 

Niall's route to Antarctica was through agriculture, quarrying and civil engineering - before deciding that he wanted to do something for the environment. His job is to look after the research station's unusual machinery, and to keep the snow at bay as it blows through in the darkest period of the year. In his own words: he likes helping people.

This episode's Antarctic glossary:


'Snowcat' - a big truck on caterpillar tracks that can be used to clear snow or tow heavy loads.
'Scheds' - the high frequency radio communication set up at field camps so that the station can communicate with field parties.
'Smooth Operator' - the name of Niall's claimed climbing route... and tongue-in-cheek nickname for himself.


Iceworld is presented and recorded by Nadia Frontier, and produced in partnership with Boffin Media.

A field guide is one of the most highly skilled and varied jobs in Antarctica. From accompanying scientists on expeditions, training their colleagues to survive on the ice and fixing sledges, there's never a dull day.

Polar field guides Ed Luke and Matthew Shepherd talk to Nadia about life on the ice and extreme camping. 

Produced in partnership with Boffin Media; cover photo by Ed Luke.

How many people can say they've lost count of their visits to Antarctica? In this special International Women's Day episode, Professor Dame Jane Francis (Director of British Antarctic Survey) chats to Nadia about her journey into science, fossil hunting in Antarctic mud, launching the RRS Sir David Attenborough with Sir David Attenborough, and leading change.

Produced in partnership with Boffin Media.

Imagine cooking for 160 with only frozen, tinned and dried food... for a whole season. We all know the stomach is the route to the heart, so the meals need to feel fresh, nourishing and varied. Chefs might have the most important job at Rothera Research Station!

In this episode, Summer chef Sadhbh Moore chats to host Nadia Frontier about food sustainability, pickling and preserving, and channelling Hemsley + Hemsley. Winter Chef Katy talks about cooking with staff as the solo chef on station, her love of skiing, and the instinctive recipe adaptations that are part of being a chef in Antarctica.

Produced in partnership with Boffin Media.

Ryan talks to host Nadia Frontier about the extraordinary experience of living in Antarctica through the dark winter - the adventures, the challenges, and preparing for the arrival of the summer community. 

Ryan Mathews was the Marine Assistant at Rothera Research Station, where he works on scientific diving in Antarctica's icy waters, and in the on-site laboratory (The Bonner Lab).

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Produced in partnership with Boffin Media; cover photograph of Ryan Mathews by Marek Figielski.

Stu McManus was the Winter Electrician at Rothera Research Station in 2022 - and due to unforeseen circumstances, he was the only person responsible for electrics across the season. His first Antarctic job was at King Edward Point Research Station on South Georgia.

Stu talks to host Nadia Frontier about overcoming imposter syndrome, camping in the Antarctic wilderness, and how his career as an electrician has helped him travel around the world.

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In case you missed them, here's an explanation of some of the Antarctic jargon:



Vikings - an accommodation block at Rothera

Sky Blu - a fuel depot used to supply the aircraft carrying field parties 

N2 - a mountain

Lagoon - an island south of Rothera

Dash - the larger aircraft BAS use

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Cover photograph of Stu McManus by Catherine Maguire. Produced in partnership with Boffin Media.