Don't believe it but the turtle reserve is going on!!

It's impossible to believe, but it has been achieved... the first turtle reserve in the Netherlands is becoming a reality!

We can finally share it: Stichting Schildpaddenopvang Nederland has, with the help of Stichting DierenLot and thanks to the support of our great donors, the former fishing ponds of De Forelpoel in Kollumerzwaag taken over.

We thank everyone who has supported us, always stood behind us and believed in our plans. Thanks in part to you, we have kept the strength to do this and never give up for all those suffering turtles that are already there and will come!

From October 2025 we will be the official owner of this beautiful site. Here, once all permits are finished, we are building the first official turtle reserve in the Netherlands — a permanent, natural home for turtles that can’t go anywhere else. Initially, the reserve will accommodate about 20,000 turtles. This is urgently needed, because the shelter in Harkema now receives more than 1,000 turtles per year and is now bursting with more than 5,000 turtles.

The reserve remains largely closed to visitors to ensure peace and due to legal restrictions. But from 2026 onwards we will be organising the first viewing days, including the grand opening! Until then, we will take you online in the construction of this unique place, by regularly sharing videos, photos and stories with you. Together we will make this place a true dream place for the turtles in the coming years.

Earlier this year we held a crowdfunding. Thanks to your support, we can now purchase machinery, tools and construction materials to start the first major work: adapting the ponds with filters and restoring circulation, planting greenery and building some species-specific shelters with good fences.

But... that's not all. To really finish the reserve and give as many turtles as possible a safe place, we still need help. Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to a complete turtle reserve where every (found/dumped) turtle can continue to live.

Thank you to everyone who makes this dream possible for all those turtles! Together, we are building a safe future — for every turtle.

For more information about the reserve or the possibility to donate, see https://schildpaddenreservaat.nl

Link to original press release: https://www.schildpaddenopvang.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/250912-Kollumersweach-krijgt-eerste-schildpaddenreservaat-van-Nederland.pdf