Good habitat with linked arboreal corridors remains the most crucial factor in protecting the Isle of Wight’s red squirrel population.
Maintaining existing trees and managing woodlands with care for both flora and fauna is also essential.
Loss of habitat: Natural and human causes
Sadly, part of the red squirrel’s habitat was lost in the Bonchurch landslip—an unavoidable natural occurrence.
Elsewhere, human activity is to blame. In some cases, woodland appears to be treated with outright contempt.
The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust recently faced an alarming incident where healthy trees were cut down under cover of night and sold as firewood on Facebook.
The police took action and dealt with the individual responsible.
Vandalism at community nature reserve
Councillor Ian Stephens has long worked to improve a small area of woodland into a thriving Nature Reserve, home to red squirrels, birds and bats.
The reserve has won recognition from the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ scheme, but persistent misuse has taken a toll on those who volunteer there.
Despite the protection of Tree Preservation Orders, mature trees have been felled without permission.
Volunteers, disheartened by continued vandalism, have been forced to pause their efforts.
Stephens: Award-winning area has been continually under threat from vandals
Councillor Stephens expressed his frustration, saying,
“I am astounded at the front of residents using the Dell in Pell Lane, a community nature reserve as a dumping ground for garden waste. This award-winning area has been continually under threat from vandals whose activities threaten both wildlife and the natural flora and fauna.
“The community erected fencing which has been destroyed and Heras fencing, which has been stolen by someone brassy enough to take it away…even unbolting the panels. There is a reward for information leading to catching the thief.”
Ongoing threats and a call for respect
He continued,
“Saplings planted by the community – with grant funding – have been felled and snapped off, whilst the area has been subjected to anti-social behaviour culminating in the Fire Service and Police attending the Dell on numerous occasions… Where is the respect for nature and the voluntary work of the community?
“Money has been donated in the attempt to bring a natural environment into the area… Is this money wasted on non-appreciating residents and vandals? An international outcry says ‘Save the Planet’… There’s little chance of that if we can’t ‘Save the Dell’.”
His final plea was clear,
“Respect your environment…don’t remove hedging, trees, and fencing… help don’t hinder others who are selflessly working for their community.
“Show respect.”
A tree warden scheme in the pipeline
At last year’s Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Forum, there was strong support for introducing a tree warden scheme.
However, putting it into action is more complicated than it sounds. To officially run a Tree Warden scheme, a local authority must register with the Tree Council, pay a fee, and manage the initiative.
One Parish Council has stepped forward, but more are needed.
Training can be arranged, but enough volunteers must be in place and a part-time paid coordinator appointed—meaning funding is essential.
Get in touch
Anyone with ideas or offers of help is encouraged to contact Helen via email at wightsquirrels@hotmail.com.
The proposal will be discussed further at the 2025 Red Squirrel Forum.
