Red squirrel project opens £250k community grant
Groups from around northern England and southern Scotland can bid for funding to help the creatures.
A £250,000 community grant has been established to support efforts in protecting red squirrels. The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN) is inviting bids from groups across Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and southern Scotland for funding ranging from £500 to £5,000. The initiative, which began in 2025, collaborates with conservation partners and volunteers to raise awareness of the endangered species.
In May, Save Our Reds reported that while red squirrels still exist in Cumbria, Northumberland, and the North Pennines, their numbers could plummet within 25 years due to competition from grey squirrels and loss of habitat. The RSRN seeks to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds, aiming to inspire action for nature. They welcome ideas for local community projects that celebrate red squirrels and reconnect people with nature, such as themed walks or habitat improvements.
The project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasizes the importance of red squirrels to British heritage, particularly for older generations who remember them, and to younger individuals who may not have had the opportunity to observe them.
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