Believe it or not, we're already thinking ahead to this year's Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, which will run from 28th November to 5th December. Please save the date! 

We're aiming to raise £52,000 to protect the health of endangered species, with a special focus on sea turtles, and the impact of plastic pollution on their wellbeing and survival. During the campaign, every donation will be doubled.

What's so special about turtles?

As a sentinel species, turtles are important indicators of marine ecosystem health. Through their grazing and foraging they impact the growth and distribution of seagrass, which is an important carbon sink. But plastic pollution now seriously affects turtle health; discarded plastics result in loss of flippers and other injuries, while ingestion of micro plastics appears to cause damage at a cellular level, resulting in many health issues which increase likelihood of admission to rescue centres.

We train vets and wildlife professionals working with threatened species like sea turtles, to give them the skills and knowledge they need to save sick and injured individuals. We make sure they know how and when animals can be safely returned to the wild to play their part in the survival of their species and maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. We help conservation organisations develop vital veterinary and husbandry techniques, including anaesthesia, wound and pain management, and nutrition.

The training, clinical support and mentorship we give those working to save threatened species has the biggest impact when we work in partnership. Funds raised this year will go towards conservation initiatives such as:

• Raising awareness around the health of wildlife.
• Establishing new partnerships with Lampedusa Turtle Rescue and other centres in the Mediterranean.
• Supporting the Ghanaian Forestry Department in investigating the reasons why turtles are washing up on their beaches.
• Providing travel funds for smaller turtle rescue centres that otherwise would not be able to attend workshops and conferences.
• Running our Turtle Health and Welfare course.
• Continuing remote support for the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, with an annual in-person visit.
• Covering programme management and overhead costs that enable these activities to take place.
• Investigating where our support and training is needed in the Mediterranean and how best we can deliver help.

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