Groups dedicated to protecting red squirrels are being encouraged to submit bids for a £250,000 funding pot. The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) has announced the grant availability, aiming to involve people from diverse backgrounds in conservation efforts.
Grants range from £500 for smaller local activities to £5,000 for initiatives with a broader impact. The network, which launched in 2025, collaborates with volunteer organizations and conservation partners in Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and southern Scotland to raise awareness about the endangered species.
Data from the RSRN estimates that approximately 287,000 red squirrels remain across Britain, marking a dramatic decline in population. In May, the animal welfare group Save Our Reds warned that while the species persists in Cumbria, Northumberland, and the North Pennines, it faces the risk of disappearing within the next 25 years.
According to Natural England, the primary driver of the population crash is the introduction of grey squirrels from North America starting in 1876. Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, which is lethal to red squirrels. Save Our Reds also highlighted habitat loss and insufficient enforcement of existing protections as compounding factors.
Heather Harris of the RSRN emphasized that the project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, seeks to highlight the cultural importance of red squirrels. She noted that while older generations may recall the animals, the network is particularly eager to engage younger people who may lack access to nature or personal experience with the species.
Mike Denbury, the RSRN programme manager, stated that the network is keen to hear ideas for both small-scale educational efforts, such as introducing children to red squirrels, and larger habitat protection projects. Successful bids could support themed walks, community celebrations, and improvements to conservation-linked spaces.
Wonderful initiative! Local communities really need these resources to protect their immediate wildlife.
25 years? That feels tight. I wonder if the funding level is enough to make a genuine difference against habitat loss.
Love that they’re focusing on engaging younger people! My kids would be thrilled to help protect these cute guys.
Grey squirrels are devastating. Does this fund actually support targeted removal programs, or just education?
Finally, some real money going toward local conservation. Hoping community groups in my area can grab a grant.