Visitors to Rushden Lakes have helped name the eco-loving turtle which stands proudly on the boardwalk at the retail and leisure destination.

Rushden Lakes has announced the winning name for its turtle-shaped recycling point which arrived at the site just a couple of months ago in December 2025.

Positioned along the boardwalk, the eye-catching installation forms part of Rushden Lakes’ ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainability and reducing waste across the site.

To celebrate the new addition, Rushden Lakes launched a competition inviting the community to submit imaginative name suggestions.

Donna French (right) congratulating Jess Braxton (left) and Jess Braxton next to the newly installed plaque displaying both her name and Shellbert’s (inset)

placeholder image — Donna French (right) congratulating Jess Braxton (left) and Jess Braxton next to the newly installed plaque displaying both her name and Shellbert’s (inset)

The response was overwhelming, with more than 1,500 entries received during the three-week entry period earlier this year.

Following a careful review by the judging panel, the winning name was selected.

Rushden Lakes has now revealed that the turtle will be officially known as Shellbert Bottlesby, a creative and playful name submitted by local resident, Jess Braxton.

As part of her prize, Jess chose The Entertainer gift cards to accompany a cuddly Thimble Turtle Jellycat and a WWF ‘Adopt A Sea Turtle’ package.

Both Jess and Shellbert ’s names are now displayed on a plaque on the installation.

Donna French, Rushden Lakes centre manager, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the number of entries we received - more than 1,500 - and it’s been wonderful to see just how much creativity and enthusiasm exists within our local community.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an entry, it wasn’t easy to select a winner.

"The installation is a creative and engaging way to encourage our visitors to recycle, while supporting our wider mission to make the destination even greener and more efficient.

"We hope visitors will continue to use the turtle when they’re here.

"All collected bottles are donated to a local school, where they’re transformed into imaginative art projects that will be proudly showcased at Rushden Lakes.”

The team at Rushden Lakes has thanked everyone who took part and helped welcome this eco-loving turtle to its new home.

Visitors are encouraged to continue using the installation to recycle their plastic bottles and support ongoing sustainability initiatives at the destination.