The diminutive migratory Turtle Dove is no longer a common sight during British summers but Operation Turtle Dove and the landowners we work with are working to change that. Turtle Doves need accessible seed and water close to dense thorny nesting habitat to enable them to have more nesting attempts each breeding season. Turtle Doves are ground feeders and need bare ground or low vegetation to be able to land and forage for seed. Tidier landscapes with fewer annual arable plants and less spilt seed means Turtle Doves take longer to get into breeding condition when they arrive back from Africa, where they spend the winter.
Part of Operation Turtle Dove, Eliza Leat works for the RSPB as a Turtle Dove Conservation Advisor across Suffolk and the Brecks, working with landowners to create more nesting habitat, foraging habitat and ponds to help Turtle Doves and other wildlife thrive.
Tickets start at £3, and directly support the work of Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Book your ticket at Wildlife Live Webinar – Turtle Doves | Suffolk Wildlife Trust