Red squirrels used to be common throughout Britain

As National Red Squirrel Week is held, the partnership project begins on the National Trust's Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset.

It is hoped that improved habitat, research and monitoring by the partnership will help the population.

Once widespread in woodland throughout Britain, the red squirrel population is now in steep decline.

Their main threat is from the spread of grey squirrels which carry the parapox virus.

While grey squirrels are resistant to this disease, red squirrels succumb quickly to infection.

Brownsea holds one of only two remaining red squirrel populations in southern Britain, offering a good chance of long-term survival as there are no grey squirrels on the island.

The National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, English Nature, Green Island, BP and the Forestry Commission have formed the Poole Harbour Squirrel Forum.

International importance

"This partnership project offers real hope for the red squirrel population on the Poole Harbour islands," said the National Trust property manager at Brownsea, Simon Lee.

"The increasing spread of grey squirrels on mainland Britain and the rest of Europe means that these islands are now internationally important to the survival of these wonderful creatures."

Woodland management is the other key factor in red squirrel survival, as they need a mixed habitat of good, broad-leaved and coniferous woodland to thrive.

On Brownsea, swathes of invasive Rhododendron ponticum will be removed and fencing areas to protect them from deer and rabbits will enable the woodland to regenerate naturally, allowing stands of Scots and Maritime Pine - important food sources for red squirrels - to flourish.

Guided walks

Chris Thaine, reserve manager for Dorset Wildlife Trust on Brownsea Island, said: "By improving the habitat on the islands, and carrying out regular monitoring and research, we hope to protect and increase the red squirrel population and secure its future."

Helen Powell, conservation officer for English Nature, said: "The presence of red squirrels on Brownsea is one of the reasons that the site is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

"The partnership is committed to ensuring that the islands of Poole Harbour are managed so that the population of red squirrels continue to flourish."

The National Trust is organising red squirrel guided walks every day on Brownsea Island during National Red Squirrel Week and also on October 4-8 and 11-18.