by Tom Evans
Cumbrian Residents Seeing Red
Any of our older readers will remember fondly the site of Red Squirrels in our countryside.
Once abundant, the Forestry Commission estimate their numbers to be 140,000, only around 5% of squirrel populations when taking into account over 2.5million grey squirrels introduced from America.
South Cumbria was once a hotspot for the native species and holidaymakers and residents there are organising efforts to boost their populations.
Silverdale Holiday park and Westmorland Red Squirrels, a local charity, are asking locals and guests to the area to help determine the locations of squirrel populations.
Bob Cartwright of the charity said “If people on holiday can help pinpoint where they regularly spot grey squirrels, it might be possible to see colonies of reds back within a few years.”
Meanwhile the Holiday Park has pledged £5,000 to fund the project, owner Michael says he had many treasured memories of spotting red squirrels nesting, feeding and playing in the park’s woodland. but grey squirrels have since invaded the Silverdale area and robbed the reds of their habitats and food resources. He suggests that “As well as reporting grey sightings to the charity, there are other practical measures people can take, such as using squirrel-proof bird feeders, and trapping greys in their gardens”. He added “our hundred-plus park staff have all been enrolled as red champions to help with the task, and together I believe we could soon see these lovely native creatures back with us”
Silverdale Holiday Park are no strangers to nature and are bonified stewards of the local area, as part of the Holgate group of parkes they were recently awarded the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for their efforts to protect the natural environment.
To find out more about their efforts you can visit their website.
The CaravanTimes team are always keen to see the resurgence of a native U.K species but wonder whether it should be at the detriment of a innocent, if prolific species brought here by the British public. Tell us what you think we as a nation can do to protect our Native species, if indeed you think we should?
