Which Turtles Have Been Found in the UK?

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

One of the largest sea turtle species it comes as no surprise that the green turtle gets its name from the greenish hue colouring their skin. Although typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, there have been stranding events of green turtles here in the UK. They are an endangered species and increasingly threatened by the poaching of their eggs at nesting sites around the world.

Kemp’s Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)

Typically found in the Gulf of Mexico, Kemp’s ridley turtles have also appeared washed up on our shores in exceedingly rare events. They are a relatively small species of sea turtle, weighing up to 100 pounds and measuring 2 feet. The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle is the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world. Like the olive ridley turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley has a unique mass nesting event called an arribadas where females take over entire portions of beaches to lay their eggs during this annual procession.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Named after their distinctive pointed beak which they use to graze on coral reefs, the hawksbill turtle is a critically endangered species. Their beautifully patterned shells make them highly desirable on the illegal wildlife market where it’s sold as “tortoiseshell”. Similar to other sea turtle species, hawksbills are typically found throughout the world’s tropical waters and usually found hanging out around coral reefs. They enjoy munching on sponges, sea anemones and jellyfish. Hawksbills are a fan favourite for scuba divers and marine tourists and can add significant value to tourism sites around the world, providing vital income for local businesses.

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

The largest sea turtle species in the world that can weigh up to a whopping 1500 pounds! The leatherback turtle is also one of the most migratory species, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Atlantic leatherbacks, with their long migrations across the ocean, put them at great risk of running into longline fisheries. Leatherback feed almost exclusively on jellyfish, making them susceptible to mistakenly swallowing plastic bags floating in the ocean, which can kill them. Their throats are filled with downward facing spines that ensure they never lose their meal! Your best chance of spotting a leatherback turtle in UK waters is between May and September.

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Loggerheads are one of the most common sea turtles in the Mediterranean, nesting on beaches from Greece and Turkey to Israel and Libya. Named after their enormous heads that house immensely powerful jaws that allow them to chomp down on their favourite prey, the loggerhead turtle is an easy species to identify. Loggerheads enjoy chowing

Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Similar to the green turtle, the Olive Ridley turtle is named after the greenish colour of its skin and carapace (shell). They are close relatives of the Kemp’s ridley turtle, and are usually only found in warmer waters like the Pacific and Indian oceans. Despite being widely considered the most abundant of sea turtles, the Olive Ridley is still in desperate