Walking 700 miles for the love of a dove

Most people would probably recognise a turtle dove if they saw one, but it has to be said that many are unaware that this pretty bird is an endangered species. Some of those who do know, however, feel very strongly about protecting them, such as a group of young men who are campaigning to raise thousands of pounds through their own heroic efforts.

Jonnie Rankin and his 'Dovestep' team will be setting off on their third fundraising initiative at dawn on 5 February, leaving from Tarifa beach and planning to follow the third leg of the turtle dove's migratory journey by walking all the way to the northern coast of Spain, a distance of some 700 miles.

The lads will cover back-to-back marathon distances each day and expect to complete their challenge in one month. They are being provided with logistical support at the start of this 'Dovestep3' campaign by the local Inglorious Bustards birding and wildlife tours team. But why do turtle doves need protecting?

"These birds, which cross the Straits of Gibraltar during their migration, are endangered everywhere in northern Europe, but especially so in the UK, where 96 per cent of them have been lost in the past 30 years and they are likely to become extinct within 20 years," explain the Inglorious Bustards team.

The birds do a 7,000 mile return trip to Africa every year, crossing the Sahara and running the gauntlet of legal and illegal hunting on the way. Unfortunately, when they return to their north European breeding grounds they are faced with intensive agriculture, disease spread by non-native birds and lack of food from the wild plants they need to regain their strength.

The Dovestep supporters greatly admire the turtle doves' stamina and determination in travelling such huge distances, and are enthusiastic in attempting to ensure that the species does not die out through the hand of Man.

In 2014 Jonny Rankin, Robert Yaxley and Andrew Goodrick decided to raise awareness of this plucky species of bird and the danger to its existence by organising the first Dovestep Journey, walking from Lakenheath Fen RSPB to Saltholme RSPB.

Their second fundraising event took place in May 2015, and was even more of a challenge: a triathlon which included sea kayaking for a distance equivalent to crossing the Channel, cycling 570 miles and walking 140 miles. It was extremely tough going, to say the least, but as Jonnie explains: "It is the ability to carry on despite considerable discomfort that epitomises the Dove Step ethos. We didn't know we could do any of this, until we tried!".

Now, Dovestep 3 is about to take place, covering the Spanish leg of the turtle doves' annual journey. These brave men have already raised £9,000 for Operation Turtle Dove and hope their endeavours this year will raise a further £10,000 to help the birds they love so much.