• The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) project receives £4.86 million in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to protect red squirrels.
• The five-year project focuses on conserving red squirrel populations in northern England and southern Scotland through habitat restoration and grey squirrel management.
• The project emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with local groups, volunteers, and landowners to ensure the long-term survival of red squirrels.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) project has been awarded £4.86 million by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to protect and conserve red squirrel populations in northern England and southern Scotland. Led by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the five-year initiative aims to address the decline of red squirrels due to competition from grey squirrels, habitat loss, and the spread of squirrelpox virus. The project involves collaboration with various wildlife trusts, charities, and community groups to implement conservation strategies and engage local communities in red squirrel preservation efforts.

• What: The Red Squirrel Recovery Network is a five-year project focused on protecting and conserving red squirrel populations in northern England and southern Scotland. Key activities include habitat restoration, grey squirrel management (including fertility control), community engagement, and volunteer programs.
• Who: Key organizations involved include Northumberland Wildlife Trust (the lead partner), Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside, Scottish charities Bright Green Nature and Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere partnership, Merseyside-based Knowsley Safari Foundation, the UK Squirrel Accord, local community groups, volunteers, and landowners.
• When: The project spans five years, with an initial 12-month development phase completed. The Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group held an event May 10-11.
• Where: The project targets areas in northern England and southern Scotland where red squirrel populations are at risk. The Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group event was at Shap Wells Hotel, Cumbria.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network project represents a significant effort to address the decline of red squirrel populations in the UK. The project's cross-border approach, involving multiple organizations and community groups, is crucial for effective conservation. The focus on grey squirrel management, including fertility control, is essential to mitigate the primary threat to red squirrels. The discrepancy in reported red squirrel population estimates highlights the challenges in accurately assessing the species' status and the need for continued monitoring and research.

What a wonderful way to start the summer. We are all absolutely delighted to have been awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to ensure red squirrel survival as we truly believe this project will make a sustainable long-term contribution to preventing the extinction of red squirrels in England and southern Scotland.

The red squirrel population of the UK is shrinking rapidly and under threat of extinction due to the presence of grey squirrels.

After spending almost two years producing my documentary which features lots of scenes of our native reds to rescued red kittens, locals and scientists, thankfully the film was a critical and smash hit nationwide on the BBC.

There’s always hope. Facts and evidence matters.

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.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network project is a vital initiative for safeguarding red squirrel populations in the UK. With substantial funding and a collaborative approach, the project aims to address the key threats to red squirrels and promote their long-term survival. Community engagement and ongoing monitoring will be crucial for the project's success. Despite challenges, the commitment of various organizations and volunteers provides hope for the future of red squirrels in the region.