Teams making an attempt to guard purple squirrels are being invited to bid for funding from a £250,000 pot.
The Crimson Squirrel Restoration Community (RSRN) stated it hoped to “interact individuals from all backgrounds” with grants of as much as £500 out there for smaller actions to £5,000 to assist concepts with a wider attain.
The mission, which began in 2025, works with conservation companions and volunteer teams throughout Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and southern Scotland to boost consciousness of the endangered species.
In Could, animal welfare group Save Our Reds stated the species “nonetheless clings on” throughout Cumbria, Northumberland and the North Pennines however may disappear inside 25 years.
Crimson squirrel populations throughout Britain have dramatically declined and have been estimated at about 287,000, the RSRN stated.
In keeping with Pure England, exterior, causes for the decline embrace the introduction of gray squirrels from the USA and Canada from 1876 spreading the squirrelpox virus, which is deadly to the purple squirrels solely.
Save Our Reds stated habitat loss and weak enforcement of current protections had been including to the issue.
Heather Harris, from the RSRN, stated the mission – which is funded by the Nationwide Lottery Heritage Fund – aimed to “remind everybody of why purple squirrels are so vital to our heritage”.
“There are lots of older generations who bear in mind purple squirrels, however we would additionally would love to listen to from youthful individuals the place nature is not as accessible for them or who have not had the expertise of seeing purple squirrels,” she stated.
The community stated it wished to assist plans which helped native communities have fun purple squirrels and reconnect with nature, resembling themed walks or enhancing areas linked to conservation.
RSRN programme supervisor Mike Denbury stated: “From introducing kids to purple squirrels for the very first time to delivering bigger habitat safety initiatives, we’re eager to listen to your concepts on inspiring motion for nature.”
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