Project Terrapin

An exciting new initiative for Raystede

Raystede’s Project Terrapin is a unique sanctuary designed to help and care for injured and abandoned terrapins in the South East of England.

About terrapins

The main species of terrapins are Yellow-Bellied Sliders, Red-Eared Sliders, Cumberland Sliders and Cooters. These are classed as an invasive species in the UK and it is illegal to rehome them.

Terrapins look very cute when they are small and increased in popularity as pets, largely thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film franchises.

They are often bought as pets as they are small and relatively cheap but there is woefully little information about how to keep them. Many owners do not realise that terrapins grow into very large adults - as much as 30cms long or the size of a dinner plate! They need a lot of space and specialist care. Sadly, when they reach maturity, many owners release them illegally because terrapins are difficult to rehome. Some terrapins will thrive in the wild but often cause damage to the local environment. Sadly, many of them perish.

Why has Raystede introduced Project Terrapin?

While we do not believe terrapins make simple or easy pets, our mission is to help as many animals as we can. We are fortunate that we have the space and our own lakes to create a sanctuary for these much misunderstood creatures.

What is Project Terrapin?

The project consists of intake and isolation units, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and basking beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there is a beach for them to bask on.

Visitors are able to view these fascinating creatures and there is an educational facility - the ‘Shell-ter’ - nearby with all the facts and figures you need to find out more about the terrapins in Raystede’s care and why they do not make simple or easy pets.


Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. We will not be putting them up for adoption.

Please note - we are not currently able to take in any terrapins.

What is Project Terrapin?

The project consists of intake and isolation units, training pools, soft release pond, main lake, educational facility and basking beach.

When terrapins first arrive at Raystede, they are usually in poor health. They will be monitored and cared for until they are strong enough to be released into our indoor training pools. They are likely to still be quite weak with poor muscle strength so this will give them the chance to build up their health. Once we believe they have gained enough strength to live outside, they will be released into our soft release pond and ultimately the main lake. The lake has capacity for around 300 terrapins and there is a beach for them to bask on.

Visitors are able to view these fascinating creatures and there is an educational facility - the ‘Shell-ter’ - nearby with all the facts and figures you need to find out more about the terrapins in Raystede’s care and why they do not make simple or easy pets.


Terrapins will have sanctuary at Raystede for the rest of their lives. We will not be putting them up for adoption.

Please note - we are not currently able to take in any terrapins.

Visiting Raystede

Project Terrapin is located near the main lake with entrances by the goats enclosure, opposite the equine barn and further along at the end of the road leading past the barn towards the top of our site.

This area includes the paths past our hen and duck enclosures and the Rainbow Bridge, and there is a lovely dog walk with plenty of shade and sniffs for your four-legged friends.

If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact us on 08125 840252 or info@raystede.org


Take a look at the progress of Project Terrapin below!

We rely on your donations to help animals like Topsy.

When Topsy arrived with us, he was severely underweight and needed a lot of care. We couldn't help the amount of animals we do without your support. Please donate to help more animals get the care they deserve.

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