Final Push for Turtle Doves: Marathon Day Is Nearly Here

A key member of the OTD team from our partners at the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Stuart Harris will be undertaking the daunting prospect of running the Edinburgh Marathon on 24th May to raise funds for Operation Turtle Dove. With not long to go, he let’s us know how training is going and why he’s undertaking the challenge.

With the race just around the corner, I wanted to share a final update on both my training and fundraising journey in support of Operation Turtle Dove (OTD).

This fantastic partnership project is working to bring Turtle Doves back from the brink by supporting farmers and conservationists to create the habitats these iconic birds desperately need.

Click here for more information about Turtle Dove conservation and how my role with the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is working with OTD to provide key on farm habitats to be ‘Turtle Dove Ready’.

Support my fundraiser here

Training Update: Almost There

The past few weeks have been all about consistency and building towards race day. While earlier setbacks meant my mileage wasn’t quite where I’d hoped, I’ve now settled into a steady rhythm—combining shorter runs with strength training to stay on track.

With marathon day fast approaching, the focus is on staying fit, avoiding injury, and soaking up the atmosphere ahead of the big event.

Fundraising Progress

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, I’ve now raised over 90% of my £700 target—and I’m hoping to cross that finish line both on the course and in fundraising before race day.

Every contribution is helping to support practical conservation work on the ground, from habitat creation to supplementary feeding.

Conservation in Action

Turtle Dove squabs on the nest — Turtle Dove squabs (Ben Palmer)

Alongside training, I’ve continued working with landowners to deliver supplementary seed mixes across Kent.

This work is especially important right now, as Turtle Doves return to the UK and begin preparing for the breeding season. Providing reliable food sources helps:

Boost adult condition ahead of breeding
Support nesting success
Bridge gaps where natural seed resources are limited

It’s a simple but effective intervention, supporting longer-term efforts to restore wildflower-rich habitats across farmland.

Why It Matters

Turtle Doves have been one of the UK’s fastest-declining birds, and without action, we risk losing them from our countryside.

Projects like Operation Turtle Dove show what’s possible when farmers, conservationists, and supporters come together—and your support is a vital part of that effort.

A man standing in front of bags of seed used for supplementary feeding of Turtle Doves — Delivering seed (Stuart Harris)

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far—whether through donations, encouragement, or simply following the journey.

I’ll be sure to share how the marathon goes after race day. In the meantime, if you’re able to help push me over the finish line, it really would mean a lot.