Thanks to Shirley from Natural Enterprise for this latest news. Ed
On Friday 25th September the Gift to Nature Parkhurst Red Squirrel Hide will be officially reopened with newly installed interpretation panels, sculptured seating and magnifying posts designed to help focus the senses on the amazing forest environment.
On Saturday a range of family-fun activities will show off the revamped hide to local residents and visitors and provide them with a chance to connect with nature in the forest.
Importance of Island to Red Squirrels
Lyn Clarke, Chairman of Island 2000 Trust commented,
“The hide was initially built by Gift to Nature in 2001 and has been very popular by visitors ever since. With the support of the Forestry Commission and our other partners we are delighted to be able to re-vitalise the hide and surrounding area.
“The interpretation we have developed will help visitors to the hide understand why the Isle of Wight is so important to our native Red Squirrels and highlight other wildlife they can look out for in the forest while searching for the elusive reds.”
Ben Phelan, Solent Beat Manager, Forestry Commission commented:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Island 2000 Trust to secure a future for the Red Squirrel hide at Parkhurst Forest and hope that visitors will continue to enjoy watching these wonderful animals in their natural habitat.”
Thanks to the sterling efforts of volunteers from the Green Gym the path into the hide has also been improved, with a new surface to improve year-round accessibility for all.
The work has been done in partnership with the Forestry Commission who manage Parkhurst Forest and with the support of a grant from the CEMEX Community Fund and donations from individual supporters of Gift to Nature.
Image: peter-trimming under CC BY 2.0
