Showing our Turtle Doves some love this Christmas

Helen Moffatt says you can be part of Operation Turtle Dove on your smallholding

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Numbers are a strong theme for Turtle Doves - during the festive season, we sing of two of them, on day two of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Away from the festivities, it’s also their numbers - or lack of them - which is widely-talked about. But thankfully, the theme of hope is also another big part of their story.

As Europe’s only migratory dove, most bird-lovers know that Turtle Doves are nowhere near our shores come December. They have undertaken their arduous flights to sub-Saharan Africa - journeys of several thousand miles, to overwinter in warmer climes. Their centuries-long association with the season probably arises from their symbolism of love and peace.

They not only stand for love, but they are very dearly loved too. Whilst headlines shout about their declining numbers - with around 95% lost since the 1990s - many people are working diligently to save these birds, including many farmers, landowners, volunteers and conservation staff.

IS HOPE ON THE HORIZON?

Operation Turtle Dove was set up as a partnership between the RSPB, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Natural England and Fair to Nature in 2012, with the aim of improving things for the UK breeding population. It has also worked with like-minded partners overseas, to ensure an international approach to saving this bird.