Red squirrel project opens £250k community grant

Groups trying to protect red squirrels are being invited to bid for funding from a £250,000 pot.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) said it hoped to "engage people from all backgrounds" with grants of up to £500 available for smaller activities to £5,000 to support ideas with a wider reach.

The project, which started in 2025, works with conservation partners and volunteer groups across Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and southern Scotland to raise awareness of the endangered species.

In May, animal welfare group Save Our Reds said the species "still clings on" across Cumbria, Northumberland and the North Pennines but could disappear within 25 years.

Red squirrel populations across Britain have dramatically declined and have been estimated at about 287,000, the RSRN said.

According to Natural England, causes for the decline include the introduction of grey squirrels from the USA and Canada from 1876 spreading the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to the red squirrels only.

Save Our Reds said habitat loss and weak enforcement of existing protections were adding to the problem.

Heather Harris, from the RSRN, said the project - which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund - aimed to "remind everyone of why red squirrels are so important to our heritage".

"There are many older generations who remember red squirrels, but we'd also would love to hear from younger people where nature isn't as accessible for them or who haven't had the experience of seeing red squirrels," she said.

The network said it wanted to support plans which helped local communities celebrate red squirrels and reconnect with nature, such as themed walks or improving spaces linked to conservation.

RSRN programme manager Mike Denbury said: "From introducing children to red squirrels for the very first time to delivering larger habitat protection projects, we're keen to hear your ideas on inspiring action for nature."

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