European pond turtle could return to British rivers and lakes

Conservationists say reintroduction of reptile could contribute to restoring ancient biodiverse wetlands

The European pond turtle could be swimming in British rivers and lakes again thanks to a new crowdfunded campaign as conservation scientists seek sites for an experimental reintroduction.

Global heating is believed to be making Britain increasingly suitable for the enigmatic species, which may have vanished because of global cooling thousands of years ago but is now threatened by droughts in southern Europe.