Red squirrels are in decline expect in the North of England

The money has been awarded to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) which has set up nature reserves providing habitats for the shy animals.

Red squirrels are facing extinction and the money will be spent on protecting dwindling numbers in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Merseyside.

The �626,000 windfall has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will be used to recruit 15 land managers.

The money will also be used to encourage 500 children take part in conservation projects and recruit 300 volunteers.

Web cams

The NWT North East reserves are situated at Kyloe near the Scottish border, Kielder Forest, Uswayford, Kidland, Harwood and Raylees in the far North of the region and Dipton, Healey and Slaley Forest in the Tyne Valley.

Keith Bartlett, Heritage Lottery Fund regional manager, said: "The red squirrel has a special place in the affections of the people of the North East, not least because our region is one of the few regions in Britain where it is still found in good numbers.

"The possibility that the red squirrel could be become extinct is real. This isn't an exotic animal it is one of the characteristic species of our beautiful countryside. "

It is also hoped that members of the public will report sightings of squirrels. Visitors to selected forest sites will also be able to take advantage of new viewing hides, web cams and educational displays.