Wildlife

Wild Turtle Dove Operation Conservation

Operation Turtle Dove is a coordinated conservation programme creating seed-rich farmland habitats to support one of the UK's most endangered birds.

Key Facts

Operation Turtle Dove has created hundreds of seed plots on farms in turtle dove strongholds
The programme pays farmers to grow seed-rich crops and provide water access
Monitoring shows turtle doves using created habitat in areas with the programme
Partnership between RSPB, Natural England, and farmers provides coordinated landscape-scale action
Turtle dove survival depends on seed availability from June through August during breeding

Welfare Considerations

Operation Turtle Dove demonstrates that targeted, evidence-based habitat creation directly improves individual bird welfare through food provision. Seed-rich plots provide the fumitory and other weed seeds that sustain individual turtle doves through the breeding season. Each farm joining the programme is a direct welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support Operation Turtle Dove through donation or farm participation
Advocate for sustained funding for Operation Turtle Dove through agri-environment schemes
Encourage nearby farms to join the programme if you live in a turtle dove area