LONDON’S turning turtle – but in the best possible way. Life-sized turtle sculptures are surfacing all over the capital, designed and painted by A-listers from rock and roll, comedy, TV and art.

You’ll be able to spot them at some of London’s best-known landmarks, including Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, Leicester Square and more.

There’s even one at the top of The Shard.

It’s the brainchild of African wildlife conservation charity Tusk, who have placed the sixteen sculptures in iconic locations, where they’ll remain until the end of August before being auctioned to raise funds.

The aim of the street art initiative, launched in Piccadilly Circus today, is to champion the endangered marine species and help fund their protection by sparking conversation about marine conservation.

Tusk Ambassadors including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood – fresh from his surprise appearance at Black Sabbath’s Villa Park farewell last weekend – rocked up to set the turtles on their way.

“I’m delighted to be part of Tusk’s Turtle Trail,” said Ronnie. “Marine turtles are not just beautiful creatures – they’re vital to the health of our oceans, from coral reefs to seagrass beds.

“Protecting marine turtles means protecting our oceans. It’s a cause that matters deeply, and I’m proud to lend my artwork to support it.”

He was joined by Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, comedy legend John Cleese and his wife Jen, and artists including Rankin and Hannah Shergold, all of whom are taking part.

Each sculpture can be bid for on online, culminating in a live auction event in London in mid-October, with funds raised directly supporting Tusk’s Partners’ marine conservation projects.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the trail via an easy-to-use downloadable and printable map, providing a fun, interactive experience perfect for anyone wanting to explore the capital.

Maps are available at tuskturtletrail.com,and visitors can make donations to Tusk through the website and via QR codes on the sculptures. To bid on the turtles, swim over to the auction site.

The Tusk Turtle Trail follows the success of the charity’s Rhino, Lion and Gorilla Trails, which attracted thousands of visitors from locals and commuters to tourists from around the globe.

It is curated by Chris Westbrook of Westbrook Gallery, sponsored by DHL, and supported by Art of London, Shaftesbury Capital and The View From The Shard.

Images courtesy of Tusk.