Harrogate student to spend summer on sea turtle conservation project

22 May 2014

A Harrogate university student is to spend the summer helping to protect an endangered species of reptile.

Mollie Robinson, who is studying public relations & communications at Leeds Metropolitan University, will be joining a conservation project on the Greek island of Crete to monitor and raise awareness of Loggerhead Sea Turtles.

The 20-year-old, who is also an intern at Pannal-based Different PR, will spend five weeks working with volunteers from all over the world on the project run by Archelon Sea Turtle Protection Society Greece.

Mollie and her colleagues will spend their days monitoring sea turtle nests, helping to raise funds and awareness, and getting involved in the construction and maintenance of project sites and equipment.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle numbers have been in decline for a number of years due to man encroaching on its traditional nesting sites, and lights from nearby towns fooling hatchlings into travelling inland rather than out to sea.

Mollie said: This is one adventure I’m really looking forward to being a part of, and it’s the first time I have got this involved with a charity.
During my five weeks with the project I will be putting the skills I have learned at university and my placement into good use, by helping to raise public awareness of the decline of these wonderful creatures.

The project most appealed to me for its relevance to the island’s history and culture. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle has long-standing significance to Greece’s heritage and it’s important the turtle is protected and help is given to boosting their numbers.

Mollie has already begun fund-raising for the charity. Last week she and other Leeds Metropolitan University students participating in the project packed bags at Ilkley Marks & Spencer, where they raised approximately £170.

Further information about the charity and project can be found at: http://www.archelon.gr/index_eng.php

1 Comment

  1. Hi. I think it is interesting that you mentioned man as causing the decline in turtles. It could also be an indication of the rapid change in climate. Turtles have been surviving for years alongside man. Just a thought.
    Thanks.
    Ashley

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