Conservation in red squirrel week

RED squirrel week, which runs from September 30 to October 8 is an initiative created by the Wildlife Trusts in order to highlight the threat faced by indigenous red squirrels from the larger grey, which was introduced to England, Scotland and Ireland from North America in the Victorian era.

Red squirrels are usually displaced within 15 years of the arrival of greys, which are thought to have colonised 90 per cent of England and Wales. Disease and habitat fragmentation are also key factors in their decline, and the current red squirrel population is estimated to be only 160,000.

Red Squirrel Week incorporates a range of events run by organisations involved in red squirrel conservation work, and will include red squirrel walks, talks and family days. For more information, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org and click on “events”.