As 2023 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the fantastic efforts that have been made this year to support Turtle Dove conservation. Hundreds of UK farmers, landowners and volunteers are helping to give the gift of hope for Turtle Doves, working with Operation Turtle Dove to provide better nesting and feeding habitat for the […]
Continue readingTurtle Dove Talk
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. Below, we’ve set out some frequently asked questions and their answers to help shed some light on Turtle Doves, how […]
Continue readingAct now to help Turtle Doves when they return next spring – apply for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier grants
Turtle Doves have received a lot of love this spring and summer – a huge thanks to all of you who are managing land for Turtle Doves. From creating seed-rich habitats to managing hedgerows and scrub sensitively and providing supplementary seed, we’re delighted to be working with so many dedicated people across East Anglia and […]
Continue readingGroundswell 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. We know that […]
Continue readingWe’re heading to Groundswell – see you there?
Summer is here, the Turtle Doves are purring and our advisors have been busy working with farmers and other land managers to create high quality and much-needed habitats for Turtle Doves. Encouraging people to manage, protect and create Turtle Dove habitat in the UK is crucial for the recovery of the species. That’s why you’ll […]
Continue readingTurtle Doves are back – and we’re celebrating some great news
The arrival of warmer weather and brighter days brings with it the arrival of much-loved migratory birds, including the Turtle Dove. In the past few days we’ve heard from excited colleagues who have spotted their first Turtle Doves of the year – what a joyful sight! We can once again listen out for the Turtle […]
Continue readingWorking with farmers to provide seed-rich feeding habitat for Turtle Doves
Turtle Doves will be heading off on their autumn migration to West Africa over the next few weeks. We’ve just had the great news that their migration will again be safer owing to continued hunting bans in France and Spain. Now is a great time to think about what you can do to welcome them […]
Continue readingTaking action to save turtle doves
Every spring we wait in anticipation for the first purring call of the turtle dove. For many, it’s a sure sign that spring is here. However, over the years it has become harder and harder to hear the familiar turr turr call as numbers of turtle doves has continued to dwindle. The results of a […]
Continue readingOperation Turtle Dove Christmas 2021 Blog
Guy Anderson, RSPB Thanks to a certain Christmas song, turtle doves are forever associated with this time of year. Just one example of how frequently they crop up in our music, art, and literature. A bird that punches well above its weight in the heritage of human cultures all across its European and Asian breeding […]
Continue readingBig step in progress with ending unsustainable hunting of turtle doves
The RSPB’s Carles Carboneras and Guy Anderson report on a major development with turtle dove hunting in Spain.
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