Recent Outbreaks of the Deadly Squirrel Pox Virus Have Been Confirmed at Nearby National

Northern Red Squirrels

Launch to Unite Voluntary Groups

Ponteland Red Squirrels has joined forces with other Voluntary groups across the North to create NORTHERN RED SQUIRRELS, a voluntary umbrella group.

NORTHERN RED SQUIRRELS, created by Volunteers, for Volunteers, aims to promote collaboration, cooperation and openness in order to save our red squirrels in the North of England. There are many Voluntary Squirrel Groups and individuals across the north of England already working hard within their areas to conserve their red populations and NRS invite them to join up to help make a real difference.

This is great news for Ponteland Red Squirrels and the other member groups as it will enable us to liaise and help each other, share ideas and best practise and pass on information. NORTHERN RED SQUIRRELS is committed to encouraging communication, not only among the voluntary groups, but also with the funded groups, SOS and RSPP, to ensure effective coordinated action. If you would like further information about NORTHERN RED SQUIRRELS or know anyone who would become the member contact for their area, please visit the website.

Fidget and Jake Due For Release

Fidget and Jake, our abandoned babies, are almost ready to be released back into the wild.

The tiny abandoned kittens were found in a garden in Darras Hall last July. We took them to be cared for by Eileen Welsh, Sanctuary Worker, who gave them excellent round-the-clock care. In November they were moved up to an outdoor enclosure, in Northumberland and are in the process of being prepared for re-release into the wild. We wish them luck and hope they have been successfully weaned from human contact!

What can you do to help our red squirrels?

These are just a few things you can do to help Ponteland’s red squirrel population thrive!

Report sightings: Take part in our survey: Report Red Sightings on our website: REPORT GREY SIGHTINGS IMMEDIATELY: Provide supplementary food: plant squirrel friendly bushes and trees: DRIVE CAREFULLY: DON’T CUT DOWN TREES UNECESSARILY: Put a collar with bell on your cat: cover water butts: Don’t leave buckets full of water.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US FOR FUTHER INFORMATION

This tri-coloured Prevost Squirrel is native to Southern Asia Unfortunately, one, or perhaps more, have been secreted into the UK and, is now living wild in a garden in Leeds. Let’s hope DEFRA catch it soon

Squirrel Signs

You may have noticed the addition of new signs around the area recently. Not only, have the DHEC and Parish Council installed a ‘flashing 30mph’ on Middle Drive we have also put up some unofficial ‘squirrel signs’, to try and cut the amount of road kill we experience each year. Please drive at the speed limit around the Estate. If you think there is a need for a squirrel sign outside your house, then please let us know.

Snapshot Survey

We are conducting a ‘snapshot’ survey on the weekend of 10 and 11 May 2008.

Each year we carry out a squirrel survey, usually over a period of two months. However, this year we are conducting a special, short snapshot survey, as we feel we can better ascertain a true picture of numbers and locations of our squirrels. We hope you can help us!

We would like as many residents to take part as possible. During the ‘snapshot’ survey weekend we would like you to record the time/date/place/number of red squirrels you see in the garden or other areas of Darras Hall, Ponteland and surrounding areas. We would like you to record your sightings (forms are attached or available to download on our website, via email or telephone) and return them to us (via email, or drop into the boxes at the Library, Darras Hall Estates Office, Ponteland Golf Club or Martin’s Newsagents).

For further information, please contact us. THANK YOU FOR HELPING OUR RED SQUIRRELS!

Ponteland Red Squirrels Group Snapshot Survey Weekend 10th/11th May 2008

Please record all sighting on the form below. Please return to us by posting in the boxes as above.