‘Help monitor red squirrel sightings’

NATURE: People are being urged to help monitor the nation’s red squirrel population to help ensure that the endangered species is not driven to the brink of extinction.

The native species faces extinction within the next 10 years and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust is urging the public to share any sightings.

CITIZEN CONSERVATIONISTS are being urged to help monitor the nation’s red squirrel population to help ensure that the endangered species is not driven to the brink of extinction.

Without efforts to protect them, the native species faces extinction within the next 10 years and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST) is urging the public across the North of England to share any sightings.

Red squirrel numbers have been decimated since the introduction of the North American grey squirrel in the late 1800s, and which, due to the damage it causes, is now classed as an “invasive” non-native species.

As well as competing for food and habitat, the grey squirrel carries a ‘pox’ which does not affect its host, but is fatal to its red native cousins.

Vanessa Fawcett, the campaign director of the RSST, said: “As we venture out after the pandemic and get to enjoy our freedom again, more of us will be exploring our stunning natural habitats.

“What we in RSST want to do is raise awareness of the plight of these beloved creatures, so if you are fortunate enough to spot one, we would love you to take a picture and share it with us on our Instagram page.

“This is how together we can help build knowledge of our cause.”

The RSST said the North of England is one of the few places left in the UK where a red squirrel can be seen in its native habitat.

Although the species will make a drey in various types of woodland, they thrive in coniferous areas where they can easily travel from branch to branch and there are good sources of food.

North Yorkshire has a stable population living in the Yorkshire Dales National Park stretching into Cumbria.

Red squirrels thrive in conifer woodland, the only habitat where they can out-compete with the grey squirrel and this area is an important habitat for red squirrels with Widdale, Greenfield Red Squirrel Reserve and part of the Garsdale and Mallerstang Red Squirrel Reserve areas.

Conservation figures have shown encouraging results in the fight to increase native species numbers.

Since records started in the late 1990s, sightings of red squirrels in these areas have reportedly “risen dramatically”.

The 2019 survey by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust also showed North Yorkshire had the greatest difference in detection percentages between red and grey squirrels.

Red squirrels were spotted at 14 of the 20 sites, with grey squirrels detected in only five.

Ms Fawcett said the RSST also aspired in the long-term to re-establish red squirrel populations elsewhere around the country.

The trust focuses its work on areas where native species are seriously endangered, which includes the North of England and Southern Scotland.

It looks at raising awareness, animal and woodland protection, environmental conservation and research to secure the red squirrel’s long-term future.

It also works with the UK Squirrel Accord, a nationwide partnership of 37 organisations including the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Trust and Red Squirrel Northern England.

The Accord is working on a project to convert a proven injected contraceptive for grey squirrels into an oral version.

If you are fortunate enough to spot one, we’d love you to take a picture

Vanessa Fawcett, the campaign director of the RSST.