Red squirrel © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Red Squirrels numbers are dwindling
Our native red squirrel populations have declined at an alarming rate since the invasive, non-native grey squirrel was introduced to the UK in the 1800’s. As seen on the maps below, since 1945 red squirrel distribution has reduced drastically. They are now predominantly found in the north of Britain and are listed as ‘endangered’ on Britain’s Red List of mammals.
Maps showing grey squirrel spread and red squirrel decline 1945, 2000 & 2010. By Dr Craig Shuttleworth.
By adopting a red squirrel you will be helping to fund essential conservation efforts the Wildlife Trust are undertaking to protect this iconic animal. Funds raised from this scheme will go towards the following:
- The purchase of important monitoring equipment, including trail cameras, feeders and squirrel feed. Knowing where red and grey squirrels are helps to inform crucial conservation efforts.
- Funding for public events and training to help inform communities and other stakeholders of the plight the red squirrel faces, and what they can do to help.
- Development of mapping systems to inform conservation efforts and prove that all the hard work being undertaken is paying off.
Your Online Pack
For only £20 you will receive the following:
• Welcome email
• Personalised certificate of adoption
• Red squirrel fact sheet - all about red squirrels, the threats they face, how to spot them and what you can do to help
• Photo of red squirrel
• Quarterly email updates from NWT
• E-version of NWT's magazine Roebuck 3 times per year
Red squirrel. Image by: Mark Hamblin/2020VISION.
Adopt a red squirrel
Receive an online pack for only £20 a year
Please note that you are not actually adopting a real creature, but the money will go towards important conservation work in urban and rural locations. Also our online packs are personalised by our team after receiving your order so we may not be able to email out on the same day it is ordered (typically 1-2 days).