Myself and 3 friends are cycling the circumference of Sri Lanka between us, a distance of 1340km, in less than 24 hours to raise money to fund a volunteering trip to Sri Lanka on the 28th of July 2018.

Whist we are in Sri Lanka, we will be working closely with the Sri Lankan Environmental Department to protect and regenerate Sri Lanka's environment and marine life. Our time there will be spent on 4 of different key projects; Jungle Replantation, Turtle Hatchery, Beach Clean Up and Animal Hospital. There is more about the projects at the bottom of this page.

How we are raising the money?

To help raise the funds needed to cover, flights, accommodation and a donation to the Travelteer Charity, we will be cycling the distance of the circumference of Sri Lanka on bikes between the 4 of us. The total circumference of Sri Lanka is 1340km in total, meaning we will have to cycle 335km (approximately the distance from the Vale of Belvoir to Exeter) each to make up this total distance. We are intending to do this challenge on Saturday the 17th or 24th of March, performed on bike turbo trainers (a piece of equipment that makes it possible to ride a bicycle while it remains stationary) since we found this a more suitable option. We calculate to cover this distance at a realistic pace would require 17-19 hours of continuous cycling, therefore setting a realistic target of under 24 hours when breaks and meals are factored in.

More on the projects...

Jungle Replantation - During the colonial period in Sri Lanka, vast areas of indigenous rainforest were cleared for tea plantations. Since, restoration of the rainforest has been foregoing, however without much success. Newly planted non-indigenous pine trees have had an adverse effect on the eco-system, resulting in further reductions of wildlife. Our project aims to help regenerate parts of the rainforest to its original state, through planting and nurturing trees.

Turtle Hatchery - Working with a local Sea Turtle centre, we aim to combat inhumane trading of turtles and their eggs on black markets that still occurs to this day, as well as caring and nurturing for young and injured turtles. My part in this scheme will be roles such as cleaning enclosures, caring for and monitoring turtles, as well as releasing them back into their natural environment.

Beach and River Clean Up - This project aims to restore key beaches and coastal rivers that are important habitats to the marine life along the southern coast. Litter is a large problem for wildlife in Sri Lanka as turtles often digest plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish, as well as contaminating other species.

Animal Hospital - The animal hospital is home to many types of wildlife in need of care whilst they recover. We will support the hospital by donating funds and assisting the running of the hospital. My roles will be mainly caring for the animals, as well as carrying out research and data around the region.