Keswick Red Squirrel Group is appealing for support to help protect the species.
Set up in March, the group works closely with the National Trust to increase awareness of the challenges facing the native red squirrels. It supports four volunteer rangers, who work throughout Allerdale.
Their efforts include monitoring both red and grey squirrel populations through remote cameras and gathering sightings of grey squirrels from the Keswick community.
The group is asking for donations to help pay for squirrel feed and equipment for the rangers.
A joint spokesman for the group and the National Trust said: “The National Trust has supported grey control in the Borrowdale Valley and Keswick area for the last 20 years, and red numbers were relatively stable until last year when outbreaks of pox on both sides of Derwentwater reduced red numbers significantly. It became very apparent that we needed to do more.”
Red squirrels are an endangered species in the UK due to the impact of diseases carried by grey squirrels. Populations must be kept separate in order for the species’ survival.
According to the Wildlife Trust, without proper conservation management, red squirrels could become extinct in England within the next 10 years.
The core group is led by woodland ranger Maurice Pankhurst. It consists of the rangers and Lynne Roberts, who looks after the communication and administration.
To find out more search Keswick Red Squirrel Group on Facebook.
To donate, visit uk.gofundme.com/f/topping-up-the-feeders and to report a sighting email [email protected]
