Beth Metson from Hedgelife joins us with a guest blog following a recent farm walk in Norfolk. We gathered at Field Farm, Hockwold, this week for a practical workshop exploring how cultivated margins can support farmland wildlife while fitting alongside productive farming. Hosted by Patricia Atkin and Steven Harrison as part of the Operation Turtle […]
Continue readingTurtle Dove Talk
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 […]
Continue readingThe Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026: How it can help you to help Turtle Doves
We now know that the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will be opening again in two stages this year. Window 1 in June, for farms between 3 and 50 hectares and those that are not currently in an Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement. This window is planned to be open for two months, but it […]
Continue readingSupporting Turtle Doves this winter
DONATE TODAY Just two Turtle Doves feature in the Twelve Days of Christmas, but we know we can do better than that! Between 2 and 9 December, we had the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge which doubled donations and raised a fantastic £90,493 for Operation Turtle Dove. A huge thank you to everyone that contributed! […]
Continue readingHelping Turtle Doves – A Family of Volunteers
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who volunteers for Operation Turtle Dove – their dedication and passion help us to achieve more. So, it’s always heartening to hear from those who so generously give their time, about the difference it makes to their lives too. This summer, father-and-son James and Reece Clissold-Bate have been part […]
Continue readingOperation Turtle Dove at Groundswell
Matt Horsham, Community Projects Officer for Operation Turtle Dove, reflects on the recent OTD presence at Groundswell 2025 With the OTD team spread across much of the South East and East Anglia, it’s always a treat for everyone to meet up in person. The most recent occasion was Groundswell 2025 on 2nd and 3rd July, […]
Continue readingMore good news on Turtle Dove recovery in Western Europe – a 40% increase on 2021 numbers!
Rick Bayne, Senior Project Manager for Operation Turtle Dove, reflects on good news for the species. It’s that time of year again when anticipation builds around the imminent return of migrant bird species that use the UK to breed and raise their young. Whilst Chiffchaffs already seem to be everywhere and there are widespread reports […]
Continue readingWater = Life. Restoring ponds to help nature thrive on farms
Whilst providing accessible and abundant seed-rich habitat is the most crucial element for Turtle Dove conservation in the UK, access to fresh water is also important. Mark Nowers, Operation Turtle Dove’s adviser for Essex, explores our work with farmers and partners in Eastern England. There is something magnificent about a pond, especially on a sunny, […]
Continue readingFrom a symbol of farmland wildlife decline to a flagship for its recovery
Why Turtle Doves can lead the way in restoring farm wildlife By Shivani Thevar – Turtle Dove Conservation Adviser (Sussex, Hampshire and West Kent) The charismatic Turtle Dove is a beloved bird in the countryside. Its beautiful wing pattern, striking neck stripes and soothing purring call often make it stand out in both the countryside […]
Continue readingDouble your impact for Turtle Doves
5th December 2024 6pm update: We’ve just hit £60,000! Thanks to everyone that has donated so far. Please help us hit our £100,000 target by next Tuesday! Getting the UK ‘Turtle Dove Ready’ Between 3 and 10 December, we’re joining the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge. That means for one week only, your festive donation to […]
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