Brendon Grimshaw: The Man Who Transformed Moyenne Island

Image source: tourandtakein.com
Back in 1962, an enthusiastic and above all “different” journalist had a vision—and for just £8,000, he bought a neglected and forgotten island. His name was Brendon Grimshaw, and thanks to his effort and dedication, Moyenne Island is today the smallest national park in the world, home to over 16,000 trees, 120 giant tortoises, and dozens of bird species, which hadn’t been seen on the island for years before his arrival.
Why did he do it? Out of a desire for peace and a love for nature. Out of a wish to change something and leave future generations with encouragement and faith that something magical can always be created from nothing. This is the story of Brendon Grimshaw, the man who built an entire ecosystem—and in return, asked for absolutely nothing.
From Yorkshire to the Indian Ocean
Brendon Grimshaw was born in 1925 in Yorkshire, and already in early childhood, he showed interest in writing and creative work. As a journalist, he worked for popular papers such as the Batley News and the Sheffield Star, until his job took him to Africa—a move that would ultimately prove to be the key decision of his life.
Years in Journalism and the Purchase of Moyenne Island
Thanks to his international experience and skills, Brendon Grimshaw quickly advanced and soon became the editor of the East African Standard magazine based in Nairobi, and later began writing for the Tanganyika Standard. However, at the age of 37, a moment occurred that would steer not only his career but his entire life in a completely different direction.
During his vacation in the Seychelles, specifically on the island of Mahé, Brendon Grimshaw was approached by a complete stranger—a local—who offered him an island for £8,000. Sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? The man who made the offer likely had no idea he was becoming part of something that would elevate ecological awareness in the Seychelles to an unusually high and remarkable level.
The transition from newsroom desks and various reporting assignments to an abandoned, God-forgotten island like Moyenne was anything but easy—but it was necessary. He didn’t just buy the island; from day one, he began transforming it and planted the first of over 16,000 trees. From that moment until his death, Brendon Grimshaw would dedicate every part of himself to the restoration of this unique island—and would never return to journalism again.

Building a Life with Bare Hands
A few years after purchasing the island, Brendon Grimshaw moved to Moyenne Island “for good,” but this time he wasn’t alone. His companion was René Antoine Lafortune, who essentially became his “accomplice” in restoring the island—and remained with him until the end of his life, becoming part of a project that would last 40 years.
Brendon Grimshaw and René Antoine Lafortune
René wasn’t just an ordinary worker; from the very beginning, he became Brendon’s closest collaborator. While he may not have lived with Brendon at first, he came regularly so they could complete the kind of work that would have discouraged many.
Every day, Brendon Grimshaw and René planted vegetation, restored the environment, and cleared paths—initially with very few tools, often doing much of the work with their bare hands. The early days were extremely difficult, as the island was overrun with weeds, void of birds, and steeped in monotony. The work was far from easy, but through perseverance, they accomplished what many would not have attempted. Interestingly, the two of them together built nearly 5 kilometers of trails across the island, which in itself is quite an impressive feat.

The Transformation Process
Their first task was to remove the wild overgrowth that had completely engulfed the island. In addition, they needed to eradicate invasive species, prepare the soil for a “new chapter of life,” and carry all of that out successfully. That the process was not driven by profit but by pure love for nature and life is evident in Brendon Grimshaw’s desire to reintroduce most of the island’s native plant species.
In some areas, they created small forests; in others, they left open clearings. What’s particularly significant is that they introduced an indigenous species of giant tortoise to the island—creatures that are impressive in their own right, and today number over 120.
When it came to flora, seeds and necessary seedlings were most often sourced from Mahé Island or nearby islands. Just how deep their dedication went is shown by Brendon Grimshaw’s effort to keep a record of every plant they introduced to the island. The result? The return of life to an island that had long been “written off.”
The Return of Life to Moyenne Island
Thanks to their effort and dedication, Moyenne Island became home to a large number of animals—primarily birds, with over 200 species currently recorded, as well as tortoises, various reptiles, fish, and more.
The path wasn’t easy, and nothing happened overnight. The island itself had been in extremely poor condition—practically uninhabitable. The return of various endemic species to their former habitat was a slow but achievable process led by just two men, a fact confirmed when Moyenne was rightfully granted the status of a national park.

The Inevitable Battle Against Commercialization
Like most meaningful and beneficial projects, this one too faced its struggle for survival. When we say survival, we mean the moment when Moyenne Island stood at a crossroads—whether to continue along the path Brendon Grimshaw envisioned, or to become just another in a line of luxury resorts. The decision was Brendon’s to make, and he acted according to his deepest convictions.
The Pressure to Sell Moyenne Island
Since the 1980s, offers for the island came in almost daily, and it was surely difficult to withstand such constant pressure. One of those offers came from a Saudi prince, who offered Brendon Grimshaw as much as $50 million—but his response was short and clear: “The island is not for sale.”
To every investor, Grimshaw would first ask, “What will happen to the tortoises?”, “Where will the birds nest?”, “What about the fauna?”. Simply put, money didn’t interest him, because he knew from the beginning that he was on a life mission. His proposal was that tourists could freely come and explore the island—but strictly as visitors. He insisted it remain open to all and under no circumstance did he want his life’s work turned into a playground for the wealthy, no matter the amount offered.
Legal Battles for Protection
As the offers became increasingly aggressive year after year, Brendon realized that simply saying no might not be enough. That’s why he began lobbying the Seychelles government to protect the island after his death. He succeeded the moment Moyenne was declared a national park—but he didn’t stop there. In his will, he included a clause that strictly prohibits any form of construction.
Today, 13 years after the death of Brendon Grimshaw, the island remains untouched, proving that money truly can’t buy everything. Some things simply aren’t for sale—and this small island is the perfect example of that.
Brendon’s Daily Life
As previously mentioned, Brendon Grimshaw permanently moved to the island only in 1973, even though he had purchased it 11 years earlier. Not long after, following the death of his mother, his father came to live with him, and together, as father and son, they lived and worked on the island until his father’s passing.
Life and Living on the Island
Although many believed Brendon was a complete recluse, that wasn’t true! In addition to his father who lived with him and René, he was often visited by tourists, researchers, journalists, biologists, and others. Aside from the main work he and René carried out—restoring the island’s flora and fauna and building sandy trails—Grimshaw had a special fondness for the giant tortoises, the oldest of which was named Desmond. This tortoise was over 70 years old and was named after his godson.
For those wishing to truly understand his life and legacy, the best way is to watch the documentary A Grain of Sand, filmed in the final years of his life. It faithfully portrays Brendon Grimshaw’s way of life, vision, and mission.

Years of Solitude and Death
After René’s death in 2007, Brendon was left completely alone for the first time in decades. Still, even knowing his time was running out and at the age of 82, he continued his work. In his final years, he focused on securing the island’s future and actively collaborated with the Seychelles government to find a long-term solution, which ultimately led to Moyenne being declared a national park.
Shortly afterward, in 2012, Brendon Grimshaw spent his final day on the island. He was buried beside his father and two unknown pirates, and his headstone reads:
“Moyenne taught him to open his eyes to the beauty around him and say thank you to God.”

Brendon Grimshaw – The Man Who Had No Price
More than a decade has passed since Brendon Grimshaw’s death, yet the island remains true to his vision. Thanks to his longtime friend Suketu Patel, who now leads the Moyenne Island Foundation, this place continues to stand firmly on the values it was built upon.
There is no dock, no hotels, no shops—only a small museum, an authentic restaurant, and plenty of history. At any given time, only fifty visitors are allowed on the island, which says a great deal about the foundation’s commitment to preserving this unique environment.
In the end, it’s worth noting that while Brendon could have become a millionaire, the island’s value never lay in money. Its worth was in every tree he planted, every bird that returned, and every tortoise that found a home there.
Because of all this, we can conclude that Grimshaw never set out to simply create another nature reserve. No—he went far beyond that. His mission was for the world to see what one man can accomplish. He wanted to be the change he wished to see—and we can say with certainty, he succeeded. Brendon Grimshaw became an inspiration and a guiding light. He became a symbol of change and nature preservation. He became something we should all strive toward. He taught us that money doesn’t matter—but what we create from the heart with our own two hands, without asking anything in return, does.
Where to Stay During Your Visit
After everything we’ve covered, you’re probably wondering how you can visit the island and see all it has to offer. As you might have guessed, there is no accommodation on Moyenne—and that’s entirely intentional. You can visit the island through organized tours departing from Mahé Island, but advance booking is required.
If you’re looking for a place to stay on Mahé, STORY Seychelles is a perfect destination. Located on the stunning Beau Vallon Beach, this resort offers not only comfort but a natural, untouched environment. Just a short boat ride away from Moyenne Island, this place provides the ideal starting point for exploring everything Brendon Grimshaw spent decades building with unwavering dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
British newspaper editor who bought Moyenne Island for £8,000 in 1962. Transformed the abandoned 24-acre island by planting 16,000 trees and bringing 120 giant tortoises.
“A Grain of Sand” (1996) – Grimshaw’s personal account of transforming Moyenne Island. Details his 40-year project with René Lafortune, includes maps, photos, and stories about searching for pirate treasure.
World’s smallest national park since 2008. Run by Moyenne Island Foundation led by his friend Suketu Patel. Features restaurant “Jolly Roger”, museum, and 4.8km of trails. Maximum 50 visitors at once – no hotels allowed.
“A Grain of Sand” (2009) – hour-long documentary filmed during his final years. BBC’s Simon Reeve featured him in “Indian Ocean” series (2012). Both capture his daily life and conservation philosophy.
Saved Moyenne from hotel developers. Reintroduced extinct species including Aldabra giant tortoises. Created bird sanctuary (2,000+ birds from zero). Established legal protections through perpetual trust ensuring island stays undeveloped.
Planted 16,000 trees by hand over 40 years. Built 4.8km nature trails with simple tools. Brought tortoise population from 0 to 120. Turned down $50 million to preserve island. Lived there 1973-2012, buried next to his father on Moyenne.