Brendon Grimshaw bought a tropical island in 1962, fulfilling a desire that many others can only dream about. Moyenne Island, part of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles, is 4.5 km off the northern shore of Mahé. When Grimshaw first visited, it was untamed, overgrown, and full of pirate treasure rumors. This little paradise was small, only 400 meters long and 300 meters wide, but it had a certain charm.
Grimshaw, a UK native working as a newspaper editor in Kenya, had to reevaluate his life’s path as Kenya approached political upheaval. He dreamed of owning land in the Seychelles and, at 37, was searching for a more natural lifestyle. A chance meeting occurred while visiting under the pretense of a vacation. He was discouraged by the high prices on the few islands available for sale after weeks of searching.
Just before returning home, a young man approached him about purchasing an island, causing fate to step in. They visited Moyenne Island that day, and Grimshaw experienced an unexplainable connection to it. Grimshaw proudly acquired Moyenne Island for around $10,000. But the difficulties were far from over.
One challenge was the island’s thick jungle—so dense that coconuts couldn’t reach the ground. Moyenne had fallen into disrepair; weeds choked the natural vegetation, and the only creatures moving through the area were rats. Grimshaw set out on a lifelong mission to restore the island’s native Seychellois ecology, working with a local man named Rene Antoine Lafortune.
They diligently planted native vegetation, cleared walkways, and removed brush. The island now has an astounding 16,000 trees thanks to their efforts.
Due to a lack of indigenous wildlife, Grimshaw introduced birds to the island. Despite early setbacks, perseverance paid off as more birds finally arrived and multiplied as new trees grew. Today, about 2,000 birds visit the island sanctuary.
Grimshaw worked to save the giant Aldabra tortoises, a native species on the verge of extinction on several islands. He carefully tended to the tortoises and started a breeding program after bringing them to Moyenne. His efforts earned him the nickname “the reptilian version of a cat lady.” There are now about fifty tortoises on the island.
Grimshaw moved permanently to Moyenne Island in 1972, establishing basic utilities like electricity, water, and even a phone line. Despite some expecting the island to become a tourist destination, Grimshaw remained committed to his vision of keeping it a wildlife preserve. He turned down offers to buy the island, even for as much as $50 million.
After his mother passed away, Grimshaw and his father shared the island, building a close and cherished relationship. When his father died, Grimshaw wasn’t alone—Lafortune and a few stray dogs stayed by his side. Day-trippers visiting the island’s white beaches were able to experience its beauty firsthand.
As Grimshaw grew older, he created a lasting trust and signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment in the Seychelles. After Moyenne Island became the world’s smallest national park, Grimshaw passed away in 2012 and was buried next to his father. The words on his gravestone, “Moyenne taught him to open his eyes to the beauty around him and say thank you to God,” beautifully captured his remarkable journey.
