UK RED SQUIRREL GROUP VISITS THE ISLAND

A group of around 25 delegates from the U.K. Red Squirrel Group visited the Island between 18^th and 25^th of May this year to learn about the work carried out for red squirrels on the Island. The trip, organised by the Countryside Section of the Council, proved to be a great success.

The delegates were blessed with perfect, sunny weather and representatives attended from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

They were shown the squirrel trail and viewing hide in Parkhurst Forest (where they were able to spot two squirrels in the trees), the People’s Trust for Endangered Species woodland reserve at Briddlesford and an example of the Forestry Commission’s ‘Jigsaw’ woodland grant scheme. In the evening, they heard presentations from Helen Butler’s Wight Squirrel Project and from Wight Wildlife.

They were very appreciative of the work carried out on the Island to conserve red squirrels and of the Council co-ordinated partnership to keep the Island free of invading grey squirrels. The contribution which the Island makes towards the national conservation of the declining red squirrel was very much in evidence and was greatly valued.

The Countryside Section of the Council plays a key role in co-ordinating and promoting the Island Red Squirrel partnership both locally and nationally.

The photographs show members of the UK Red Squirrel Group learning about work to conserve red squirrels on the Island.

Dr Colin Pope
Ecology Officer

Page last updated on: 20/07/2004