Leatherback Turtles in British Waters: Gentle Giants of the North Atlantic Imagine seeing a creature that looks like a marine relic from a prehistoric ocean—only metres from the UK’s rugged coastline. That’s the magic of spotting a leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in British waters, an event both thrilling and ecologically significant. These magnificent reptiles are among the most extraordinary marine visitors to grace our seas. Who Are the Leatherback Turtles? Leatherback turtles are true ocean wanderers. Unlike other sea turtles with hard shells, they have a flexible, leathery carapace—the trait that gives them their name. These giants can grow up to 2.5 metres (8 ft) long and weigh several hundred kilograms, making them the largest of all living turtles. Their range spans the globe’s oceans, from tropical nesting beaches to cool temperate seas. What truly sets leatherbacks apart is their remarkable physiology: they can metabolically warm parts of their bodies, allowing...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife