Earthwatch at 50: Darren Towers

Earthwatch at 50: Darren Towers’ story

In 2019, an Earthwatch expedition to monitor African penguins on the remote Robben Island in South Africa prompted Darren Towers to change career. Darren was so inspired by the kindness that he saw towards people and the planet that on his return, he launched The Kind Penguins, a sustainable clothing and art brand dedicated to championing conservation causes and celebrating the natural world.

Darren had worked in numerous environmental and social roles, before moving towards diversity and inclusion, including as Executive Director at LGBT charity Stonewall. However the time spent with his partner and away from his job on the Earthwatch expedition gave him new inspiration.

“The briefing from Earthwatch before you go was super helpful and reassuring,” says Darren, who admits he felt nervous about embarking on the trip.

“I’m normally quite a risk averse person. But stepping away from the regular London commute, with my husband’s support, made a very new adventure possible. It’s an adventure you feel completely supported in, with Earthwatch. And it’s one that gave me the inspiration to set up The Kind Penguins and the space to explore my longer term career, too.”