Turtle Dove foraging in farmland

Giving the gift of hope

As 2023 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the fantastic efforts that have been made this year to support Turtle Dove conservation.

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Turtle Dove advisors

Meet the team

Meet some of our amazing advisors, working with farmers and other land managers to help provide suitable Turtle Dove habitats in southern and eastern England.

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Turtle Dove perched in a tree, surrounded by blossom.

Talking Turtle Doves – we answer some frequently asked questions

Operation Turtle Dove is working with hundreds of people – farmers, land managers, communities and a whole host of volunteers – to create the right habitat conditions to allow Turtle Doves to thrive once more. We’ve set out some frequently asked questions and their answers to help shed some light on Turtle Doves, how they’re faring and how we are helping them.

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Operation Turtle Dove team standing outside marquee at Groundswell 2023.

Groundswell 2023 – a wave of support for Turtle Doves

At the end of June, Operation Turtle Dove headed to Hertfordshire and the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival. We were there to spread the word about Turtle Doves and how farmers and other land managers can help provide habitat for this special bird. Read on to find out more about this inspirational event.

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Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur, adult perched on stick

Get creative!

Turtle Doves are beautiful birds and they feed on the seeds of very some pretty plants. We’ve combined the two in a colouring sheet that you can now download.

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Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur) have declined dramatically in the UK and reduced almost everywhere else in their European range.

However, we now know the key problems faced by Turtle Doves and what conservation action needs to be taken, and Operation Turtle Dove is optimistic that we can reverse the fortunes of this enigmatic and culturally significant bird.

You can play a part in their recovery.

Blog: Turtle Dove Talk

Get creative!

December 15, 2023
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Giving the gift of hope: How hundreds of farmers and volunteers across South East and Eastern England are helping to save rare Turtle Doves

December 15, 2023
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Tweets

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How can I help turtle doves on my land?

Providing habitat is a vital component of turtle dove conservation. If you farm or manage land, there are a number of ways in which you can help support the species and benefit your rural business while doing so. Options can include:

How to see a turtle dove

Turtle doves are in the UK – predominantly the east and south east of England -from April to September every year. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Ways you can help

Shop

Your shopping choices can help give turtle doves a home

Create habitat

You can provide turtle doves with habitat they need on your farm or in your garden

Log a sighting

Seen a turtle dove? Log your sighting on Birdtrack

Donate

Your donation will help us to save this iconic bird from extinction in the UK