Volunteers wanted to save Fermanagh’s red squirrels
Monday 5th March 2018
(c) Christine Cassidy
Are you nuts about red squirrels? Ulster Wildlife is leading a recruitment drive for volunteers in Fermanagh to save our last red squirrels.
Last year, people of all ages helped the charity survey more than 60 local woodlands for the presence of this much-loved, but endangered mammal with plans now underway to repeat the survey this spring
A workshop will be held at Waterways Ireland in Enniskillen on Tuesday 13 March at 7pm for anyone interested in getting involved.
Last year, we had tremendous support from the local community and it would be fantastic to see more volunteers get involved with the survey this spring.
Volunteers will work in key forests across the county, from April to May, logging squirrel and pine marten sightings, setting up camera traps to film their behaviour and providing up-to-date records of where both species are currently found.
The data gathered will contribute to the work of Red Squirrels United, a UK-wide network set up to protect the reds, led by The Wildlife Trusts with support from Heritage Lottery Fund, LIFE and NI Environment Agency in Northern Ireland. The introduction of the invasive, non-native greys is the main reason for the reds decline.
Michael Stinson, Ulster Wildlife’s Red Squirrel Officer for Fermanagh said: “We are very fortunate to have a sizable population of red squirrels in Fermanagh, with volunteers and members of local Red Squirrel Groups playing a crucial role enabling red squirrels to thrive.
“Last year, we had tremendous support with the survey from the local community and it would be fantastic to see more volunteers get involved this spring. By working together, we can help give our reds a bright future and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy this iconic species."
To get involved with the survey, or to report squirrel sightings, contact Michael Stinson on 07816 065 909, email michael.stinson@ulsterwildlife.org or visit ulsterwildlife.org/redsquirrels.
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Tagged with: Species, Fermanagh, Red squirrels, Spring, Survey, Volunteer