Interview with Charlie from the Turtle and Marine team in Greece
Project & Pod News / 28 April 2026
We chatted to Charlie who manages the Educational volunteer projects in Greece. Charlie and her team help support our U18 Summer and October trips, family volunteers and 1 week adult volunteers who are helping on the Turtle and Marine Conservation projects in Greece. She is great fun to work alongside and her passion for conservation and helping the island of Kefalonia is inspirational!
Where are you from?
I’m from the Isle of Wight in England.
How did you end up in Greece?
I first visited Kefalonia on holiday and completely fell in love, with the island and its sea turtles! I returned to volunteer, and after Brexit I made the decision to move here full-time.
How long have you been working with the conservation team in Greece?
I’ve been working full-time for three years, but my journey started as a volunteer back in 2017.
What did you do before working with Wildlife Sense?
I was a primary school teacher in an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
There’s so much I love. I’m constantly learning (especially about seagrass) and I really enjoy meeting new people and sharing what we do. Some of the most special moments are seeing the first adult turtle emergences and discovering nests during early morning surveys
What’s your favourite turtle fact or stat?
Loggerhead turtles can detect the Earth’s magnetic field, which helps them navigate across huge distances during their migrations, amazing!
What’s your favourite Greek food?
Fasolakia (fresh green beans simmered with olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs) is a favourite, and I also love a good pitta gyros!
What do you like to do on your days off?
I love snorkelling, paddleboarding, and exploring the natural beauty of Kefalonia. In autumn, I also enjoy helping with the olive harvest.
Do you have any hobbies or passions?
Anything outdoors! I love being in nature, and I also play tennis.
What’s a country you haven’t visited yet but would love to travel to, and why?
Iceland—it’s been on my list for a while. I’d love to see its incredible landscapes and unique geological features.
Is there anything you miss from the UK?
My family and friends—and mini eggs!
