Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2017 | Page 83

w Once a common animal, the red squirrel has unfortunately disappeared from great swathes of the country. Red squirrel populations have declined since the introduction of the grey squirrel in 1876 - perhaps due to direct competition from the larger American, but also due to the introduction of the ‘squirrel pox’ virus, which can cause local populations of red squirrel to die out altogether. It is now thought there are fewer than 140,000 reds left in the UK. In England, red squirrels only survive on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, where there are no greys, on the Formby coast and in the extensive pine forests of Northumberland and the Lake District. Things aren’t much better in Wales, although Anglesey has recently been declared grey squirrel free. Scotland and Ireland are where the red squirrel now has its main strongholds. Significant progress has been made by local and regional red squirrel conservation initiatives in halting the decline of the red squirrel populations and controlling the spread of grey squirrel populations, but they are not safe yet. Constant conservation effort is likely to be needed for as long as grey squirrels are present nearby. Like most wild creatures, red squirrels tend to be shy of people. Country life To spot them, keep as quiet as you can. A good first place to look is on bird feeders as red squirrels are just as keen on peanuts as their grey cousins, and they may come to feeders if they are around. Red Squirrels feast on hazelnuts by cracking the shell in half. You may also find pine cones that have been nibbled, leaving what looks like an apple core behind. A great place to spot red squirrels is at the Wildlife Trust’s Bouldnor Forest nature reserve near Yarmouth, or at Alverstone Mead nature reserve near Sandown. Find out more at www.hiwwt.org. uk/reserves “It is now thought there are fewer than 140,000 reds left in the UK.” Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP Photo: Red Squirrel by Dr David Willia ms Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide. • A welcome pack when you join. • Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you three times a year. • The chance to take part in local group and community activities, offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties. • Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. www.visitilife.com 83