How I can help protect red squirrels?

"It's just a happy thing to see - we should be hanging our heads in shame if we let the red squirrel fail," says nature enthusiast Pete Muldoon.

As a volunteer in Formby's woodlands on Merseyside, he is part of efforts to stop the decline of the endangered native creature following the introduction of grey squirrels from North America in the late 19th Century.

While England is thought to have about 2.7 million greys, there are only about an estimated 39,000 red squirrels left.

There have been renewed calls to protect the eye-catching species, which nature experts say could be lost within 10 years without conservation efforts.

So how can people help?

They are the only native squirrel to the UK, where they have lived for about 10,000 years.

They are considered to be a key seed disperser for native tree species - such as Scots pine - and are crucial to regenerating coniferous woodlands. Species like the goshawk, pine marten and wildcat rely on this habitat.

Nature experts say the red and grey squirrels should be kept apart, partly because the latter carry the squirrel pox virus, which is fatal to reds.

The dominance of grey squirrels means the reds do not get enough access to natural resources.

Red squirrels also face threats from cats and dogs and damage to habitats.

Many wildlife organisations allow you to report a sighting online, including the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

You can also take part in surveys to help gather data on the red squirrel population.

Local nature groups and wildlife trusts are always keen for volunteers.

You can volunteer to look out for squirrels and gather information or take part in education campaigns.

You can also plant native trees or donate to tree-planting organisations to boost habitats enabling the red population to thrive.

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