To celebrate Red Squirrel Week, Starting 2nd October, Wight Squirrel Project is launching a new initiative to encourage people who walk in a woodland regularly to note down squirrel sightings.
If you walk your dog in a particular wood, then it will be a doddle. Just note the date and how many squirrels and it’s really easy to fill in either a Word document or email spreadsheet both downloadable from the Website.
Then just email to [email protected] every six months – job done.
Your reward?
The satisfaction of knowing you are helping red squirrels conservation on the Isle of Wight for a start. The Isle of Wight is a nationally important red squirrel stronghold, so monitoring how the squirrels are faring is a must and the most important aspect of our work.
For consistent monitors, we will arrange an annual treat, such as visiting a woodland which doesn’t have public access, plus running a free draw.
Butler: Level of monitoring can’t be achieved without the public
Helen Butler MBE, founder of Wight Squirrel Project, said,
“Monitoring is the most important aspect of red squirrel work.
“It not only tells us how our reds are getting on but we effectively monitor for an grey squirrels who may find their way on to the island.
“This would be catastrophic for our red squirrel population as they carry squirrelpox, which is fatal to reds but does not affect greys.
“This level of monitoring cannot be achieved without the help of the general public.”
Want to join in? Visit the website, download a form and take note of our fabulous red squirrels. If you prefer to use the app of Google form, that’s fine too.
Contact: Helen Butler MBE [email protected]
News shared by Helen on behalf of Red Squirrel Project. Ed
