Red Squirrel Recovery Network press release

  • Red Squirrel Recovery Network launches ‘Don’t Be Shy’ campaign to protect UK’s endangered red squirrels.
  • Red squirrels are not just adorable; they’re a vital part of our ecosystem and natural heritage.
  • Their population has declined across the UK, with the only fragmented outposts in the North of England, Isle of Wight, North Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

 

‘Don’t Be Shy’ is a new campaign to protect and conserve the United Kingdom’s much-loved red squirrel.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, seeks to raise awareness, encourage community involvement and promote conservation efforts for this iconic British species in areas where they still exist.

Red squirrel numbers plummeted across the UK over the past century, because of loss of habitat and the introduction of grey squirrels by the Victorians. As well as competition for food and space, grey squirrels carry a pox which infects and kills reds. It’s a horrible death for one of our favourite creatures.

‘Don’t Be Shy’ reflects the red squirrel’s naturally cautious nature, whilst also inviting the public to actively participate in conservation efforts in the few places where they still thrive which include pockets of: Northumberland, Cumbria, Merseyside and Scotland. The campaign will support community events, improve red squirrel habitat and engage people across the project area in red squirrel protection.

Molly Frost, Red Squirrel Officer at the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside said: “Many nature lovers are devastated that they can no longer experience red squirrels in their local woods. They are not just beautiful creatures; they’re a vital part of our ecosystem and natural heritage. With ‘Don’t Be Shy’ we’re inviting everyone to play a role in ensuring these shy woodland creatures do not vanish completely in the UK.

“We must start by increasing and improving habitat for red squirrels from our outpost in North Merseyside and create pathways so they can link up naturally with the populations in North Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland and Scotland.”

The campaign addresses critical threats to red squirrels, including habitat loss, competition from grey squirrels, and disease. By educating the public and fostering community involvement, ‘Don’t Be Shy’ aims to create a network of citizen conservationists across the country.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate by reporting squirrel sightings, volunteering for conservation projects, and spreading awareness through social media.

How you can help:

  1. Report sightings: Keep an eye out for red squirrels and let us know when you spot one.
  2. Volunteer: Join our conservation projects or support your local red squirrel community group.
  3. Spread the word: Use #DontBeShy on social media to share your experiences and educate others.
  4. Participate in surveys: Help us gather crucial data on red squirrel populations and public awareness.
  5. Plant native trees: Create squirrel-friendly habitats in your area.

 

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network involves Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Scottish charities Bright Green Nature, Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and Restoring Upland Nature, as well as Merseyside-based Knowsley Safari Foundation and the UK Squirrel Accord.

Over the past 12 months, the Partnership Team worked tirelessly to plan audience engagement and activity programmes and write an extensive conservation plan, as well as developing the methodology for large scale grey squirrel fertility control.

In addition, team members collected data across the project areas on squirrel presence/absence, grey squirrel management activity and volunteer demographics to establish the current range of volunteers as well as identifying opportunities to encourage new volunteers.

All this has been made possible with £4.86 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Helen Featherstone, Director for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Catching a glimpse of a red squirrel in the wild is a magical experience. We are delighted to be supporting the Red Squirrel Recovery Network to work towards this becoming integrated within our natural heritage spaces.

“It is wonderful news that thanks to National Lottery players, the Red Squirrel Recovery Network can continue their collaborative approach to protect our native red squirrels and give the species the best chance of survival.”

Details of how you can get involved with ‘Don’t Be Shy’ can be found on the Lancashire Wildlife Trust website at Red Squirrel Recovery Network and on social media with #DontBeShy. There will be many events, activities and opportunities to volunteer and help our red squirrels.

Molly continued: “We get so many cases of people in Manchester, Preston and further afield telling us that they remember red squirrels in their garden. Let’s hope people get behind ‘Don’t Be Shy’ so that those magical moments will return.”

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