Rothbury residents see red
Tuesday 14th August 2012
_0.jpg "© Steve Wrightson")
© Steve Wrightson
Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE), in conjunction with the Upper Wansbeck and Coquetdale Red Squirrel Group, were overwhelmed by the turnout to its recent meeting at the Jubilee Hall in Rothbury.
Well over 100 people turned out to hear about the collective work being done to protect red squirrels in their area, and future plans for conservation in the area.
Over £200 was raised for the volunteer group along with several offers of help. A great result!
Red Squirrels Northern England
The partners in RSNE are Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, Durham and North Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts, Forestry Commission, Natural England and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. The project also works alongside the volunteer community (group members of the Northern Red Squirrel Network) and private landowners to achieve its objectives.
The crucial red squirrel conservation action this programme focuses on is grey squirrel control. Control of grey squirrels is essential if red squirrels are going to remain a feature of northern England’s natural environment. RSNE currently employs 12 Rangers and 6 contractors to undertake grey squirrel control in areas still important for red squirrels.