Go nuts for red squirrels in IoW

The Isle of Wight is one of the only locations in the UK where red squirrels still thrive. Red Squirrel Week (3-11 October) aims to draw attention to red squirrels and their plight, and offers a great opportunity to get out and about on your very own red squirrel safari.

Visit Red Funnel’s interactive map for hot red squirrel spots.

Chris Packham, TV presenter, photographer and author, supports red squirrels on the Island. “As a local lad from Southampton, the importance of the Isle of Wight as a refuge for the red squirrel has always been close to my heart.

"As the introduced grey squirrel continues to spread through British woodlands, the future is far from secure for our native red squirrel. We need to work together to preserve the Isle of Wight as a grey squirrel-free zone and help protect the 3,500 beautiful red squirrels that inhabit the island.”

To celebrate the survival of reds on the Isle of Wight, you could take part in these special events. All monies raised go to the Wight Squirrel Project.

Sunday 4th October - Newchurch car park. An informal squirrel safari, hunting for likely trees, dreys, food leavings and possibly squirrels. Costs £2.
Friday October 9th - Robin Hill. An in depth event where participants can learn monitoring techniques and data handling in more depth. Cost is £5 which covers entry to Robin Hill, refreshments and course materials.

Vehicle ferries run regularly around the clock from Southampton with Red Funnel, which is within easy reach of the M3 and M27 and return ferry travel for a car and up to six passengers starts from just £32. Return crossings for foot passengers cost from only £12. You can also travel from Portsmouth or Lymington with Wightlink.

29 September 2009

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