A Public Art Trail with a Purpose
Central London’s iconic landmarks now feature a new kind of resident: sixteen striking, life-sized turtle sculptures, each designed by celebrated artists and public figures. The Tusk Turtle Trail officially opened on 16th July 2025, bringing together art, celebrity, and environmental advocacy in support of marine conservation.
Unveiled in Piccadilly Circus, the project is a partnership between African wildlife conservation charity Tusk and a collection of high-profile ambassadors and artists. It follows Tusk’s previous public art initiatives, including the successful Rhino, Lion, and Gorilla Trails held between 2018 and 2023.
Art Meets Conservation
Tusk Ambassadors including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, and actor and comedian John Cleese attended the launch alongside artists such as Rankin and Hannah Shergold. Each has contributed a uniquely designed turtle sculpture now placed across Central London. Locations range from Covent Garden and Carnaby Street to the top of The Shard.
The trail is not simply about public art. It carries an environmental message aimed at raising awareness of endangered marine turtles. Tusk Ambassador Ronnie Wood captured the essence of the initiative when he said, “I’m delighted to be part of Tusk’s Turtle Trail. Marine turtles are not just beautiful creatures – they’re vital to the health of our oceans, from coral reefs to seagrass beds. Protecting marine turtles means protecting our oceans. It’s a cause that matters deeply, and I’m proud to lend my artwork to support it.”
Engaging the Public in Marine Conservation
The sculptures are more than static installations. Each one features a QR code enabling visitors to learn more about marine conservation and make donations to Tusk’s projects. There is also an interactive element: maps guiding visitors through the trail are available for download at tuskturtletrail.com. This family-friendly feature aims to make marine conservation accessible and engaging, drawing on the popularity of London’s cultural landmarks to amplify the message.
The turtles will remain in place until the end of August. After that, the sculptures will be auctioned in mid-October, with all proceeds supporting Tusk’s marine conservation partners.
A Growing Trend in Sustainability-Focused Art
The Tusk Turtle Trail reflects a wider trend where public art is leveraged as a medium for sustainability education and fundraising. Similar initiatives have appeared in cities worldwide, from elephant parades in Singapore to climate-themed murals in Los Angeles.
According to data from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), six out of seven marine turtle species are currently threatened with extinction due to human activities such as habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and illegal trade. Public engagement campaigns like Tusk’s aim to shift public perception and build wider support for conservation work.
Chris Westbrook, curator of the Tusk Turtle Trail, has once again played a central role. Known for his ability to bring together diverse creative talents, Westbrook curated Tusk’s previous art trails. This year’s trail continues his work of blending art, public space, and activism.
Why Marine Turtles Matter
While Tusk’s roots are in African wildlife conservation, its focus on marine turtles underscores the interconnectedness of global ecosystems. Marine turtles help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which in turn support other marine life and contribute to global carbon storage.
The inclusion of high-profile ambassadors and artists ensures that the conservation message reaches a broad audience. Deborah Meaden’s presence, for example, ties in her well-documented environmental advocacy with a tangible project in the heart of London.
From Rhino Trails to Turtles: An Evolving Legacy
Tusk’s public art projects began with the Rhino Trail in 2018, evolving through Lions and Gorillas over the years. Each initiative has combined public engagement, creative expression, and fundraising for conservation. These projects align with growing consumer interest in brands and events that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.
By extending its focus to marine turtles, Tusk is broadening its environmental scope. This shift mirrors a wider movement within the sustainability sector, where organizations increasingly look beyond local or regional species and address global biodiversity challenges.
How to Get Involved
Those interested in following the Tusk Turtle Trail can download the map from tuskturtletrail.com or pick up printed versions at key locations around London’s West End. The sculptures are available for online bidding via https://auction.tuskturtletrail.com/, with the auction closing in mid-October.
While the trail is designed for public enjoyment, its core message is one of urgency. Marine turtle populations face severe threats worldwide. Tusk’s initiative offers Londoners and visitors an opportunity to engage with this issue while exploring some of the city’s most iconic locations.
A Distinctive Presence on London’s Streets
With distinctive backdrops supported by Art of London, Shaftesbury Capital, and The View from The Shard, the sculptures stand out both visually and thematically. Positioned in some of the most recognisable spots in the city, they serve as both a creative expression and a call for environmental consciousness.
As Ronnie Wood expressed, “Protecting marine turtles means protecting our oceans.” For the next several weeks, Londoners will have sixteen artistic reminders of that fact across the capital’s streets.
