Acquiring a tortoise is a life-time commitment. Unfortunately, for any number of unforeseeable circumstances, people can find they are no longer in a position to care for their tortoise. The Tortoise Rescue Centre prides itself on providing the best possible home for each tortoise rescued. We will always do our best to ensure that the new home will be able to fulfil your tortoise’s every need and provide them with a sanctuary for life.


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New Life

Tortoises can live to be more than 100 years old. We’ve had a tortoise that was in a family for over 60 years and was an adult when they got it. They are very slow growing animals.

Specialist Care

Tortoises require specialist care. We weigh and measure them, and use a formula that tells us if they have enough body fat to survive hibernation. If they don’t we keep them awake because it’s not safe to put them into hibernation if they are undernourished.

Varied Species

Among the tortoise species at the BEES farm are the Giant African Spurred Tortoise, Hermann’s Tortoise, Leopard, Russian, Spur-thighed and Red-footed tortoises.

Endangered Animals

All tortoise species are listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Thousands of tortoises are still imported into the UK each year and these measures have been put in place to help reduce exploitation.

New Homes

With the correct advice, equipment and environment, tortoises can make great pets. They are particularly good for animal lovers who may have allergies to things such as fur. We hope that in the future we may be able to find some very special homes for some of our tortoises.

Case Studies

  • Before the residential I had so much in my head that I just buried and put to the back of my mind. I was going to carry on like that but being in that basic place with no distractions just leaves you vulnerable. It is horrible, almost being forced to face your Demons. I can honestly say I'm so glad I put myself through it. I matured and learnt so much, it was just an amazing place to clear your head and sort yourself out.


    To be honest I would do it again, it actually was the best experience I've ever had. I've been on holiday 14 times and nothing compares to the experience I had here. One of the most important things I learned was everyone perceives things differently to what you do. I now look back and feel so disappointed in myself but honestly it's what I needed. That residential was what I needed and I'm so glad I went on it.

    — Alex (Student).

  • Children are encouraged to be curious through their play and learning making them aware of the 'wider world'. Nathan, through providing his service, is giving the children the tools to enable them to develop skills to make them inquisitive, questioning and respectful of each other which will assist other educators to build on.


    As a nursery we are promoting and providing lifelong skills. Encouragement, praise, confidence, self-esteem, independence along with autonomy allows all children to be active learners. Thank you Nathan you have provided our children with a wonderful learning experience.

    — Tracey Noble (Manager of Kiddi Caru Day Nursery Plympton).

  • I have known Nathan Potts for over 15 years and my first encounter with him was with a view to gaining a better understanding of chickens and how to hatch them! Nathan's passion for living things and his careful consideration of their welfare is the reason I have continued to support his projects over the years. Weather you decide on a close encounter with a hedgehog or meet a Tortoise with their fascinating hibernation story, seeing these creatures close up provides children with understanding of and empathy for the living world.


    I have hired incubators for several schools and each time the children have been mesmerised by the hatching chicks and this has led them into new territories for learning. This enthusiasm is matched by Nathan's willingness to answer endless questions and explain every detail of the animals lives with passion and obvious knowledge. I cannot think of a better way to spend the science curriculum budget!

    — Lisa Reburn (Head of Beechwood Primary School, Plymouth).

  • I really enjoyed my time of the residential because we were forced to take more notice of everyone around us and our surroundings.


    Because no one could use the phone or watch TV were able to socialise better and appreciate the time. It was nice to get away from our busy lives and spend quality time with friends. We learnt more about each other and valuable life skills. I really enjoyed the whole experience. As a whole, I really enjoyed the residential experience and would love to do it again. I felt that because we all faced an unusual environment we were forced to think about things more and how we deal with situations that will occur in our lives.


    It was a helpful and useful place to sit and think through things and get away from the usual life problems.

    — Katie (Student).

  • During my time at the residential we had many memorable experiences both good and bad! When I first arrived it was a shock to see how basic we had to live for the time we spent there, no showers, limited electricity and little to no signal. However it was nice to get away from it all. We had activities to do but we also had a lot of time to think about things with no distractions and it helped clear things up for yourself.


    In the evenings we all mucked in and helped cook tea for everyone and we all appreciate the work everyone put in. All in all it was an amazing experience and I'm very thankful to Nathan and Jen for making it happen.


    I wouldn't think twice if were able to have an experience like that again! Thank you.

    — Zoe (Student).
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