Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The decline of red squirrels began 150 years ago, after the arrival of the grey squirrel from America.

As the environment, climate and food available was similar to its original habitat, the grey squirrel thrived in Britain.

They were unused to competing against the bigger, stronger greys for vital resources such as food, including pine seeds, acorns, berries and bark.

A further problem comes in that grey squirrels are carriers of squirrel pox, a skin virus which, although has no effect on the greys, is fatal to the reds.

There are many people and organisations that work extremely hard to protect and conserve our red squirrel. One of these organisations is Save Our Squirrels.

This Heritage Lottery funded project is based across the North of England and aims to protect key populations of reds in specially designated reserves.

There are 17 Red Squirrel Reserves in the North of England throughout Cumbria, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and North Merseyside.

Whinlatter Forest in Cumbria has been designated as a flagship red squirrel reserve.

Whinlatter Forest Squirrel Trail

This means that, not only is the forest managed to control the grey squirrels, but it gives the red squirrels the best possible chance of survival while providing great opportunities for the public to see reds.

Save Our Squirrels has joined forces to launch the SquirrelCam with help from Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Cumbria and the team at Whinlatter Forest Park.

This allows live footage of the red squirrel amongst other animals to be beamed from a top secret location in the forest, onto the big screen at the visitor centre and out to the World Wide Web.Μύ

The SquirrelCam has also proved successful in attracting other animals, including a variety of birds, for close up public viewing.

It is hoped that the SquirrelCam will raise the profile and plight of the red squirrel in the UK, as well as increasing awareness of the need for public involvement in the protection of reds, before it’s too late.