Image by Linda Baker.
Turn winter blues radiant red next week
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is encouraging everybody to beat the January blues next week by turning their thoughts red and supporting the region’s red squirrels.
In 2025, red squirrels were detected in just 42% of areas surveyed in Northumberland, marking a 10% decline compared to 2024. Meanwhile, grey squirrels were found in 64% of areas surveyed.
To celebrate national Red Squirrel Appreciation Day which this year falls on Wednesday 21st January, for the whole week - Monday 19th - Sunday 25th(January), the wildlife charity is offering a 15-month Friends of the Red Squirrels membership for the price of twelve months.
Becoming a member will help support the red squirrel conservation team as it works to protect one of the UK’s most beloved woodland mammals and give them a better chance of a future in the region’s forests. For more information visit www.nwt.org.uk/fors-membership
There’s a wonderful palatable way to support red squirrels by drinking Red Squirrel Ale, exclusively brewed by Allendale Brewery in Northumberland. Now available in cask, can and bottle,10p from every beer sold will be spent on red squirrel conservation.
Red in colour, just like the squirrels themselves, the roasted malts lend a hint of nuttiness, traditional Goldings hops bring flavours of orange and hedgerow berries, blended with Harlequin hops to give it a light and zesty finish.
Alternatively, everybody can support the native reds and show their true colours with a squirrel patterned T-shirt. Designed by the team at Northumberland Wildlife Trust and produced by online sustainable fashion company Teemil.
With profits from each sale going to red squirrel conservation, the T-shirts constructed from certified 50% recycled organic cotton in a factory powered by renewable energy, are a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd this summer.
For further details visit www.nwtshop.org.uk/product/natural-redhead-t-shirt/Amber
Abbie McQueen, Red Squirrels Recovery Network Project Officer says:
“We are at a critical point in the recovery of red squirrels across the UK. With grey squirrels now firmly established in many areas of the UK, red squirrels are vulnerable to extinction and without our efforts and the support of the public, they could be lost in ten years.
“Next week, please do what you can to support these lovely animals whether it’s by taking out a membership, raising a glass of Red Squirrel Ale or strike a pose in a new squirrely T-shirt this spring.”