A Curious Tale – The Return of the European Pond Turtle

Once extinct due to cooling climate, hunting and habitat loss… The European Pond Turtle could see itself returning to the UK thanks to Celtic Rewilding’s groundbreaking re-introduction plan.

Who are Celtic Rewilding?

Celtic Rewilding was started by Tom and Harvey when they were just 17. Their aim is to become one of the leaders in nature restoration through rewilding and the re-introduction of many once native animals and plants. This is includes the European Pond Turtle.

Why?

As Europe gets warmer, the places where pond turtles can live are moving north. The turtles unfortunately cannot move fast enough to get to the new good spots before their old homes become too hot.

Safe Haven?

The UK could be a safe haven for this species with helping hand of humans…

The Plan

Celtic Rewilding’s mission is to move turtles from Europe to a safe, enclosed home in England. They want to see if the turtles can live happily in the environment they’ve built. Harvey and Tom have a 5 year plan: in the first year a breeding group will be established in the UK where the turtles can get used to UK climate. Every year after, groups of turtles will live ‘wild’ in their outdoor enclosures where they can be observed closely to see if they can live happily, move around easily and breed successfully.

How can the European Pond Turtle help?

Here are a few examples of how they could happen the UK’s wetlands…

Sediment disruption

When turtles look for food in the water, they stir up the muddy bottom. This mixes around nutrients in the water. It helps keep the water fresh and healthy for other plants and animals that live there too.

Plant seed distribution

They have been known to help spread the seeds due to their omnivorous diet and large home range.

Freshwater cleaners

Pond turtles help keep their water homes clean and healthy. They eat dead things in the water so they don’t rot and make the water bad with too much algae growing. This helps all the other plants and animals that live in the pond.

What Can I do Next?