Bon voyage and see you next spring!
Summer is slowly drifting into autumn and for Turtle Doves that means it is time to switch landscapes all together, as they head south-west into Europe and eventually Africa, to spend the autumn and winter.
Big news - Turtle Dove numbers in Western Europe are on the up!
We’re celebrating some excellent news for Turtle Doves – the western European population of Turtle Doves increased by an incredible 25% following two years of a hunting ban in France, Spain and Portugal that began in 2021.
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.
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.
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
read more
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:
- Countryside Stewardship grants for arable farmland, woodland and semi-natural habitats
- Receive free support and advice from your local Turtle Dove Conservation Adviser about how you can provide habitat for turtle doves on your farm from
- Learn more about supplementary feeding for turtle doves on your land.
How can I help turtle doves at home?
Decisions you make in the garden or the supermarket can help turtle doves in a variety of ways:
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
