I had the privilege to volunteer at Earth Sea and Sky early summer 2015. It was a most enjoyable experience at a gorgeous location, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, Greece.

Earth Sea and sky staff are helpful, considerate and friendly. Helping us to settle in and teaching us about the Loggerhead turtle. The loggerhead is endangered and the burgeoning tourist industry on the island is destroying the turtle’s precious nesting sites.

Volunteers from many different countries, come help Earth Sea and Sky at their centre near the Gerakas beach. Here we talked to visitors, teaching them how to be turtle friendly tourists. We also encouraged donations and gift shopping so the dream of opening the turtle rescue centre will be achieved very soon.

I loved the early morning beach surveys as we walked Zakynthos’s beautiful beaches, observing turtle and other wild life activity.

Our comfortable accommodation was set in a Greek olive grove, with goats and chickens nearby and a pleasant fifteen minutes walk to the Earth Sea and Sky centre. Numerous swimming beaches, taverna and essential shopping spots are also only a short walk away.

This experience has reminded me to look after all endangered wild life wherever it is. Yannis, Jonna and Earth Sea and Sky are batting for the loggerhead turtles.

In New Zealand, where I live, we also have endangered species, mostly rare native birds. I am challenged to get involved and make a difference here too.