{
  "id": 14124586,
  "title": "Red squirrel project opens £250k community grant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/red-squirrel-project-opens-250k-community-grant",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-13T05:08:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr86zp8qn0w5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Groups from around northern England and southern Scotland can bid for funding to help the creatures.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "By funding local projects across Northern England and Scotland, this initiative empowers community volunteers to combat the habitat loss and grey squirrel competition threatening the survival of this endangered species.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}