12 – Surtsey Island, Iceland

Surtsey Island is a small volcanic island off the coast of Iceland, and a natural haven for various flora and fauna which makes it a destination favoured by scientists who gather information on plant and animal life.

Pre 1960’s the rules about visiting the island of Surtsey were a little more lax than they are now. All of that changed because of a tomato. Yes, a tomato. One scientist who visited the island answered a call of nature upon a lava rock, weeks later a tomato plant began sprouting on that very spot leaving fellow scientists completely baffled. After much thought they finally realised what must have been the origin of the mysterious tomato plant and it was immediately destroyed as it would have disturbed their scientific research. We are pretty sure the scientist in question wasn’t allowed back either..

As a result visitors are now strictly limited in their numbers to avoid disrupting the eco-system of this natural laboratory. And those who do manage to make it onto the island are thoroughly searched for seeds before they step foot on land.