Nigel has just returned to Norfolk following a successful trip to Kielder Forest in Northumberland and the eastern Lake District, researching and photographing new red squirrel images; one our most endearing and beautiful mammals. The mountains and moors of northern England remain clothed in remnants of the heavy snowfall and under blue skies were stunningly beautiful.
Whilst winter conditions create spectacular scenery, they are incredibly hard and harsh for many of our indigenous wildlife; without doubt the hard, prolonged frosts and snow have further depleted the already declining red squirrel population. In four geographical locations numbers appear to have fallen since the Autumn, a consequence of severe cold, shortage of food and the continuing vulnerability to disease inflicted by the non-native grey squirrel. Fortunately there are a small number of dedicated individuals, families and organisations actively working to conserve and protect the red squirrel populations and their habitat; at the same time controlling the exploding grey squirrel population.
If you wish to help, can help or simply want to do something to ensure the survival of red squirrels in Britain, please contact a group such as the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group via the Pinsharp links page.