If you would like to be a Red Squirrel ally there are a number of ways you can get involved:

Volunteer:

If you would like to volunteer your time to help red squirrel conservation then please contact us: admin@redsquirrelsouthwest.org.uk

Whether this is fundraising on behalf of RSSW, offering to help at an upcoming event, or trapping grey squirrels in the local area, we rely heavily on our amazing supporters and appreciate your help no matter how big or small!

Projects:

If you would like to find out more about the independent local projects which the RSSW charity supports, please follow the links below to view the dedicated project pages:

Click here for the Exmoor Squirrel Project.

Click here for the Cornwall Squirrel Project.

Landowners:

If you are in the South West area and would like to join our Grey Squirrel control network, or need help/support with your Grey Squirrel population, please get in touch with our project coordinator: livvy@redsquirrelsouthwest.org.uk

Charles Dutton & Co can provide advice to landowners who may be struggling with Grey Squirrels on their land. Charles conducted the year-long pilot study and produced the advisory report for the Exmoor Squirrel Project at its launch, outlining the current state of the wildlife and woodland within the project area. Charles has since provided professional support to the project in the form of advisory Grey Squirrel Control Plans. Charles is an extremely experienced forester who specialises in clearing Greys from woodlands and protecting timber harvesting from their damage. He is the author of ‘The Grey Squirrel Management Handbook’. Email us to order a copy.

Help Record Tree Damage:

Grey squirrels can cause significant bark stripping damage to woodland trees. If you’ve seen evidence of squirrel damage on your land, please contribute to the UK Squirrel Accord’s national Tree Damage Survey to help improve understanding and support woodland protection efforts.

Education:

Introduce Red Squirrel conservation to your classes with the Red Squirrel Education Pack!

The Red Squirrel Education Pack has been created to raise awareness of the plight of the native Red Squirrel and of the conservation efforts to help them regenerate. Suitable for KS2 classes, the Red Squirrel Education Pack is a cross-curricular resource designed to last for a half-term period, and includes exciting and stimulating activities in Science, Mathematics, Geography, Home Economics, English, Music, Art, Public Speaking and Drama.

Students will enjoy the varied exercises which gradually add to their understanding of the issues involved, and ultimately enable them to answer the question “Do Red Squirrels need our help?” The pack is also suitable for Guides and Scout groups, Forest Schools, home schooling, or junior Wildlife Trust groups, etc.

A video is used to set the scene, and the following individual topics can be selected depending on the age and ability of the children, and the time available.

The work is made easy for the teachers/leaders as the slides are supplemented by audio material and detailed ‘Teachers’ Notes’ which provide both a comprehensive method, and the answers to the activities, as well as suggesting engaging extension tasks.

The Red Squirrel Education Pack was written by Olivia Kennaway who grew up at Escot Park in Devon where there is a Red Squirrel Enclosure for conservation purposes. Olivia created the Red Squirrel Education Pack initially for her final major project in her Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Degree; the striking photography of Red Squirrels in the pack is all her own work.

To find out more about the education pack please contact admin@redsquirrelsouthwest.org.uk.

Find us on Social Media:

Facebook: Red Squirrel South-West
Instagram & X: @redquirrelsw

WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FUNDRAISING IDEAS OR OPPORTUNITIES. IF YOU FEEL YOU CAN HELP PLEASE CONTACT US.