Ocean Art Hits the Streets: London’s Tusk Turtle Trail 2025
Under London’s summer sun, 16 life-sized turtle sculptures have journeyed into the heart of the city — turning art, conservation, and celebrity power into a public spectacle you won’t forget. This isn’t your average exhibition; it’s The Tusk Turtle Trail, a free-to-visit public art project spreading across the West End through July–August 2025. Curious? Let’s dive in.
1. The Launch: A City Turned Oceanic Gallery
Starting in July 2025, the Tusk Turtle Trail brings colourful, creatively designed turtle sculptures to hotspots like Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby Street, Seven Dials, and even near The Shard. Visitors can download a trail map or follow interactive guides to spot them all.
2. Art + Activism: What’s the Message?
Tusk, the charity behind the trail, aims to raise awareness about declining turtle populations — 6 of the 7 marine turtle species are now endangered. Each sculpture represents creativity meeting environmental activism, and visitors can scan QR codes to donate or learn more at their leisure.
3. Who Made the Turtles? This Is London Getting Creative
Each turtle is a collaboration between Tusk and an impressive list of creators — from Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, photographer Rankin, illustrator Ralph Steadman, to actor John Cleese & his wife Jen, writer Harland Miller, Dragons’ Den stars Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett, as well as other notable artists.
Ronnie Wood calls his piece “The Prodigal”, inspired by the ocean’s light and the life journey of turtles. He credits conservation champions like Prince William in keeping marine wildlife protected.
4. Behind the Scenes: Who Made It Happen?
The trail is curated by Chris Westbrook of Westbrook Gallery in partnership with Art of London, Shaftesbury Capital, The View from the Shard, and DHL as lead sponsor. All proceeds from post-summer auctions will support Tusk’s marine conservation projects in Africa.
5. Visitor Experience: How to Explore (and Why You Should)
The trail is free and open all summer, with interactive elements like downloadable maps, QR-coded sculptures, and story bits for each artist turtle. It’s perfect for families, solo explorers, or anyone wanting to turn a stroll into a mini art safari.
One turtle even appears “at The Shard”—a cheeky spot requiring a paid trip to view up close. But most are in accessible public spaces, ideal for creative urban wandering.
6. A Layer Deeper: Conservation, Storytelling, and Community
Tusk’s art trail isn't just about pretty pictures; it’s storytelling with purpose. The ocean has absorbed 90% of the atmosphere’s trapped heat and one-third of emitted CO₂ since the Industrial Revolution — and turtles are keystones of marine ecosystem health. The sculptures aim to make the invisible threats visible.
The auction in October is not just a fundraiser — it’s about sustaining ocean-wise communities and ecosystems in Africa that rely on turtles to maintain coastal balances.
7. Why This Trail Stands Out This Summer
This summer, London streets are home to over 50 giant turtle sculptures, each designed by artists, celebrities, and community groups.
The project is called “Turtle Bay: A London Art Trail” and it raises awareness about marine life conservation and supports funding for endangered sea turtles.
One of the standout sculptures is designed by Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, adding rock-and-roll flair to the campaign.
The sculptures are spread across iconic London locations like Covent Garden, South Bank, and Canary Wharf, making it a fun way to explore the city.
It’s completely free to join the trail, and families can use the official trail map or app to spot as many turtles as possible.
At the end of the summer, the turtles will be auctioned for charity, with proceeds going towards marine conservation projects.
Final Thoughts: London's Summer Splash with Purpose
Next time you're in Covent Garden or near Seven Dials, pause by a turtle. These sculptures are more than public art — they’re a bridge between creativity, conservation, and community. Snapping photos? Sure. But don’t forget to read the story behind each design, support the cause, and maybe walk away feeling like you’ve done just a bit to help protect our oceans.
If this brought a smile or sparked a pledge — save the blog, share your favourite turtle snap with, and follow @Londonyaar for more vibrant London guides that blend art, heart, and impact.