Good news for red squirrels with an increase in sightings

Good news for red squirrels with an increase in sightings

THERE’S good news for the North-West’s red squirrel population, with increased sightings reported in key areas by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

This news comes as Red Squirrel Week seeks to highlight the problems still facing the species in the UK, with numbers in our region only just recovering from a devastating outbreak of squirrel pox between 2006 and 2008.

However, monitoring by the Trust has revealed that the red squirrel population on the Sefton coast has increased, and reports of sightings and squirrel activity in Formby have been on the up.

Conservation Officer Fiona Whitfield described a recent visit to the red squirrel trail at Lifeboat Road: “After a long time of limited sightings, it was a delight to see three reds in 10 minutes.” With the latest Autumn monitoring due to begin soon, further good news is hopefully on the way.

Even more promising is the recent sightings that have been reported of red squirrels in West Lancashire, particularly in the Rufford area.

A year ago, the first reds were spotted at Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve since 1998, and the last week has seen sightings spread around the local area.

The Wildlife Trust has also seen evidence of a stronger-than-anticipated population in Halsall, meaning that West Lancashire and North Merseyside are both seeing their red squirrel numbers strengthening.

Red Squirrel Field Officer Amy Campbell said: “This news is all very exciting. We occasionally get sightings in Rufford, but two in a week is fantastic, and the overall picture is looking a lot more healthy for reds in our area. There’s still a long way to go though, and we need the public to help us by reporting any sightings.”

You can help aid the recovery of red squirrels in our area by reporting sightings of both reds and greys at www.saveoursquirrels.org/sightings01/form001.html. Read more about the Trust’s work at www.lancswt.org.uk/index.php/red-squirrel-project.php.

THIS Sunday, celebrate Red Squirrel week with the National Trust and Save Our Squirrels at the Squirrel Fun Day in the Formby reserve. There will be fun activities for all ages. No need to book, just come along and join the fun.