Turtle conservation in the caribbean
23 March 2015
Montserrat is a small, lush volcanic island in the Caribbean, 27 miles from Antigua. It has a visiting population of turtles who come to the island to nest every year. Alumna Carolyne Coleby (Photography, 1993), has been living there since 2004 and is currently setting up turtle conservation holidays for volunteers in conjunction with John Jeffers. John has over 36 years’ experience of turtle conservation and has received an MBE for his work with the turtles on Montserrat.
Turtle Conservation Montserrat is offering NTU alumni a chance to come and experience a unique environment and learn all about turtle conservation. A special NTU alumni offer of US $950 for 2 weeks (normally US $1395) is available which includes volunteering with the turtles and assisting John in his crucial work.
July to September is the best time to work with the adult turtles, and beginning of September to mid-December to help release the hatchlings. Of course, you may choose to stay longer, even for the whole turtle season. Working with the turtles, accommodation and breakfast are included in the special offer. Transport to and from the island is not within the cost, but we are able to advise on the best way to get here. All visits are via Antigua, then plane or ferry to Montserrat.
Turtles are an endangered species and the work being done is very important for the species survival which in Montserrat includes loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles. Their migration to the island is an annual event, arriving on the beaches at night to lay eggs, and this generally starts around May each year.
Volunteering activities with the nesting turtles take place mainly at night. This means you are free to explore the
island during the daytime. There are opportunities for volcano viewing, visiting the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and touring Plymouth, the former capital, which was destroyed by the volcano in 1997 and has been described as a ‘modern day Pompeii’. The volcano is still active, but the last eruption was in 2010. Montserrat is perfectly safe to visit and offers a fantastic opportunity to view and learn about what it is like to live on a live volcanic island. It is extremely mountainous and there are opportunities to hike in the rainforest and mountains, either along set trails or with a guide who can tell you more about the flora and fauna.
The beaches are extremely quiet and picturesque with black sand from the volcano. The white sand beach at 
Rendezvous is the only white sand beach on the island and is accessible only by hiking, boat or canoe and well worth a visit. It is great for snorkelling or diving and there are several great reefs with lots of tropical fish around the island. Boat trips can be arranged; including round the island trips or boat rides to view Plymouth. It’s also possible to visit and walk around the former Air Studios, owned by Sir George Martin, manager of the Beatles – closed after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Little Bay is the site chosen for the new capital of Montserrat, which is currently located in Brades, and is an ongoing 
work with some nice bars and restaurants and the new cricket ground.
Montserrat really is a unique destination, offering great opportunities for nature lovers and photographers and the annual arrival of the turtles is a very special experience. So, come and join us!
Website: ccoleby2001.wix.com/turtlesmontserrat or email ccoleby2001@yahoo.co.uk for further information.