The Atlas Obscura Podcast 12 Days of Wonder: World's Loneliest Tree
Dec 11, 2025
Discover the world's loneliest tree on Campbell Island, where a Sitka spruce stands 170 miles from its nearest neighbor. Hear about its surprising survival and unique wind-sculpted shape. The island's harsh climate and history of human abandonment add layers to this tale. Enjoy some lighthearted meteorologist pranks involving the tree's branches! The conversation also touches on radiocarbon findings, linking the tree to the broader Anthropocene debate. Finally, consider the profound reflections on isolation as well as the tree's UNESCO protection.
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Meteorologists' Makeshift Christmas Tree
- Meteorologists on Campbell Island cut a branch from the solitary Sitka spruce to use as a Christmas tree in their hut.
- That small tradition left visible marks and altered the tree's shape over decades.
Campbell Island Feels Like Stepping Back
- Matt Vance described Campbell Island as the remnant of an old volcano with high peaks and a tiny, pristine ecosystem.
- He noted the island feels like stepping back in time because nature dominates and human presence is minimal.
Harsh Climate Drove Humans Away
- The island experiences near-constant gales, rain 325 days a year, and rare sunlight, making habitation difficult.
- Farming attempts were abandoned by the 1930s, leaving humans gone but the planted tree behind.
