National Red Squirrel Week is upon us!
Running from 10th (Monday) to 16th October (Sunday) this national event coincides with the announcement that 30 years of dedicated red squirrel work and study by Wight Squirrel Project has now not only been completed, but it’s also been published.
Detailed record of red squirrel conservation work
Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight is a detailed record of the red squirrel conservation work taking place on the Isle of Wight dating from 1991 to 2022.
Whilst based on science, it has been written in a style so that non-scientific people can also easily enjoy and understand it.
Reference document for future conservation work
The aim of this publication is to provide a reference document for future red squirrel workers and enthusiasts to use so they can continue to map the progress of our population of our Island’s red squirrels.
The book is in three parts including data, descriptions and findings of post mortem examinations, as well as details of a red squirrel’s life and projects such as the rope bridges.
A fascinating read
Red squirrel lovers and enthusiasts will find this fascinating as it covers such a wide range of topics. Corridors, habitat management and tree planting in general all contribute to keeping our red squirrels thriving on the Isle of Wight.
There are sections dedicated to research and surveys which will prove incredibly useful to conscientious foresters and landowners. There is a whole host of material for educational use as well.
Butler: Support to finish the book
Helen Butler, the author said,
“If it wasn’t for the Covid Lockdown and a lot of help with typing, running graphs and proof-reading I don’t think this book would ever have been finished!
“I’m also grateful to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for hosting the launch event.”
New pocket book
Whilst detailed reading will suit some, others may just want a few facts and a newly written pocket book, again written by Helen is also available.
The booklets can be bought in shops all around the Island and will share their launch with the larger book.
Buy the book
The books are large and cost £63 each to produce. Wight Squirrel Project is subsidising the books and they are for sale at £35 each.
The Museum of Ryde is kindly acting as a pick up point, but please contact Helen in the first instance.
Email: [email protected] or phone: 01983 611003.
Book launch
The Wildheart Sanctuary are delighted to announce and host the book launch that intrinsically details over 30 years of study and observations of our Islands’ red squirrel population.
Tickets are available to attend the launch on Thursday 13th October from 4pm, ask questions as well as being able to purchase the book itself or one of the smaller, pocket book of fun facts and figures.
See the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Website for more details about their work.
Image: peter-trimming under CC BY 2.0
