Turtles are animals that have lived on this earth for millions of years. They inhabit seas, rivers, and lakes in various countries. They are one of the oldest reptile species in the world that are still alive today.
When thinking of turtles, you might imagine tropical beaches and sunny, warm waters. So, are there turtles in the UK? We will dive into that in this article.
Are There Turtles in the UK?
Considering that the UK has a relatively chilly climate, you might be surprised to learn that yes, there are turtles in the UK. This is true for a range of species that includes a few entirely marine ones and a few others that are freshwater turtles.
Marine Turtles in the UK
UK waters host at least six of the world’s marine turtle species. Turtles are mighty open-ocean swimmers that undertake giant journeys to complete migration routes.
Thes turtles include:
- Loggerhead Turtle
- Leatherback Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Turtle
- Green Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Olive Ridley Turtle
Common Marine Turtle Species Found Around the UK
Three species of marine turtles are most often spotted in UK waters:
Loggerhead Turtle
Medium to large turtles with powerful jaws and reddish-brown shells. Loggerheads sometimes wash up in UK waters in the summer during their northward migration.
Leatherback Turtle
The most widely recorded species around the UK. Leatherbacks are the largest turtles in the world. In Wales, Scotland, and the southwest of England, westward-migrating individuals are often found foraging in UK waters, particularly where there are many jellyfish.
Kemp’s Ridley Turtle
These turtles are critically endangered but very occasionally visited by visitors from warmer seas, and they have been seen in the UK.
Where You Can Find Turtles in the UK
Although you might not think of the UK as a place where you can expect to see turtles, in fact, both marine and freshwater turtles can be found in certain parts of the country.
Here are some places where you are most likely to encounter turtles in the UK:
1. Marine Turtle Hotspots
Marine turtles sometimes visit the seas around the UK, especially in the warmer months. Here are the most likely regions:
- Southern England: Loggerhead and leatherback turtles are occasionally observed off the coasts of Cornwall and Devon. They follow jellyfish blooms, which are common in these waters during the summer months.
- Wales: The coast of Wales, especially Pembrokeshire, is another place where leatherbacks feed on jellyfish during migration.
- Scotland: Turtles, particularly leatherbacks, are sometimes sighted along the coasts of Scotland, especially in the Hebrides and western Isles.
2. Freshwater Turtle Sightings
Wild freshwater turtles are not native to the UK, but you might see exotic species that have been released into the wild. These sightings are mainly found in the following locations:
- Urban ponds and parks: In warmer cities, red-eared sliders or yellow-bellied sliders can often be found in public parks or ponds. They’ve usually been discarded by their owners and can sometimes survive in city environments for several years, especially in warmer cities. However, this is rare, as most cities still get too cold at night, especially in winter. You might occasionally see reports of one in London’s Regent’s Park or Hampstead Heath ponds.
- Southern England: A small number of pet turtles have been seen in fresh water in milder parts of southern England, but these are few and far between.
3. Aquariums and Conservation Centers
If you can’t get to offshore beaches or inland waterways to view turtles in the wild, many UK aquariums and conservation centres keep marine and freshwater turtles. Some of these are:
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth: The largest aquarium in the UK and home to all sorts of marine creatures, including turtles. They even run their own conservation program which turtles are part of.
- Sea Life Centres: Found in London, Birmingham, Brighton, and several other cities, they typically exhibit turtles and raise awareness of marine conservation issues.
Visit any of these sites or look out when walking along our coasts, and it is possible to see the turtles that live in or pass through UK waters.
Most turtles thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 86°F (24°C to 30°C) to stay healthy and active.
Freshwater and Pet Turtles in the UK
While marine turtles are native to UK waters, freshwater turtles are not. You won’t see any species living wild in our ponds, rivers, and lakes, but all have been brought in via the exotic pet trade.
Common Freshwater Turtles Kept as Pets
Two of the most common freshwater turtle species in the UK are:
- Red-Eared Slider: A small turtle with a prominent red marking behind the eyes, a favourite among pet owners that reached its zenith of popularity in the 1990s. Thousands of these terrapins were then ‘liberated’ by their owners into UK waterways, where they quickly multiplied to plague proportions since the cool UK climate is not conducive to a southern turtle.
- Yellow-Bellied Slider: Like red-eared sliders, another popular pet sold in many pet shops in the UK, some of which are listed under the illegally imported category. They have a yellow, squarish pattern on their shell and belly.
UK Government Initiatives
In an attempt to reduce the dangers that turtles endure in the UK’s waters, the government has recently adopted marine protection measures. These include the creation of marine protected areas and reduced levels of damage from fishing gear.
You can read more about the protection measures on the UK Gov Site – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protected-marine-species/marine-turtles
Can Freshwater Turtles Survive in the Wild in the UK?
The toughest of the freshwater turtle species might survive in the UK for a while, but otherwise, it’s usually just too cold for them to become established in large numbers. Turtles do sometimes appear in warmer urban ponds and live for years, but this is very uncommon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, are there turtles in the UK? – While the waters around the UK are not the most natural place for turtles to be found, marine species do visit. With the right action and growing awareness among the public, there is a possibility that, despite a bleak outlook for many species due to the current crisis of pollution and climate change, turtles might yet survive.
If you enjoyed reading this article make sure you check out if there Are there Crocodiles in the UK?
FAQs
Does Britain have a native turtle?
No – there are no native freshwater turtle species in the UK, but marine turtles are fairly common visitors.
How often are marine turtles seen in UK waters?
Marine turtles are sighted in UK waters in the southwest during the summer and around Scotland.
What should you do if you find a turtle in the UK?
If you find a turtle that is stranded or in trouble, please contact your local wildlife organization.
Should pet turtles be released into the wild?
It is a bad idea to release pet turtles into the wild because they may be killed by larger turtles and also disturb the ecosystem. In some areas, turtles are protected, making it illegal to release them.
What organizations in the UK help sea turtles?
Organizations such as the Marine Conservation Society and the Turtle Foundation work to protect sea turtles in the UK.