Red Squirrel Northern England wins conservation project of the year award
Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) has today been announced as ‘Conservation Project of the Year’ in the coveted Countryfile Magazine Awards 2011.
RSNE is a partnership project between the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trusts, and is the largest, most ambitious red squirrel conservation project ever launched. It aims to safeguard and extend red squirrel populations in northern England, and works in conjunction with local volunteer groups and communities.
RSNE is a project which has already captured the imaginations of those living in northern England and beyond who wish to see red squirrels return to their local areas. Some great successes have already been seen in Newcastle and Merseyside, where reds have made a triumphant return after years struggling against the seemingly relentless tide of grey squirrels. It is largely thanks to the dedicated combined efforts of volunteers, local communities and conservationists that this has been able to happen.
Nick Mason, Project Manager of RSNE, said, ‘I am absolutely thrilled that Red Squirrels Northern England has been given this prestigious award. The fact that this was voted for by readers of Countryfile Magazine speaks volumes for the special place that red squirrels hold in the hearts of the British public. It is wonderful to see the public responding to the need to save a very precious native species and applauding what can be done when charities, public bodies and local communities work together.’
Fergus Collins, Editor of Countryfile Magazine, commented: ‘We launched the awards as a way to celebrate the countryside and thank the often unsung heroes who work hard to make it accessible, keep it beautiful and conserve its heritage and wildlife. And from the tremendous numbers of votes cast in each category, it’s clear our readers agree.’
Donations to help Red Squirrels Northern England can be sent to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust at:
Red Squirrel Survival Trust
Delta House
175-177 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1HR
Cheques should be made payable to RSST. Alternatively, people wishing to donate can phone 020 7864 1444 or visit www.rsst.org.uk
/ends
Notes for Editors
The Countryfile Magazine Awards 2011 are a celebration of our countryside and its people. In each of the ten categories, a panel of experts drew up a shortlist of candidates. The awards were then voted for by readers of the magazine and members of the public via post, email and on the Countryfile Magazine website, www.countryfile.com
About red squirrels
Around 75% of the 120,000 red squirrels remaining in theUKare found inScotland. InEngland, reds can still be found inCumbria, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Merseyside and theIsle of Wight.
Reds died out many years ago from their former southern strongholds ofThetfordForestinNorfolkand Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. However, a project aiming to reintroduce the species toCornwallis underway which hopes to bring red squirrels back to southernEnglandin the next five years.
For more information about RSNE, contact:
Mr Nick Mason
Project Manager
Red SquirrelsNorthern England
c/oCumbriaWildlife Trust
Gosling Sike Farm
Houghton Road
Houghton
Carlisle
CA3 0LD
Mob: 07917 182018
Tel: 01228 829579
Email: nick.mason@rsst.org.uk
Red Squirrels Northern England Project Partners
About the Red Squirrel Survival Trust
The Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST) is aUKcharity established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in theUK. Its Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales and its ambassadors are Alan Titchmarsh, Sir Chris Bonington and Eric Robson.
RSST works in partnership with dedicated and knowledgeable local groups around the country. It aims to protect red squirrels by keeping reds and greys apart, stabilising new and existing populations, funding research to secure the red squirrel’s long-term future and raising awareness of the plight of the red squirrel.
For more information about RSST, visit www.rsst.org.uk.
Contact details
Helena Stroud
Red Squirrel Survival Trust
Delta House
175-177 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1HR
T: 020 7864 1444
About The Wildlife Trusts
The Wildlife Trusts have been involved in red squirrel conservation for decades. Most recently they have been delivering the Save Our Squirrels project. This was funded by a 4 year HLF grant and other funding, and its primary aims were raising the profile and plight of the red squirrel, working with landowners and managers for red squirrel conservation, and securing the long term future of the red squirrel. The RSNE project incorporates and continues the work of Save Our Squirrels. www.saveoursquirrels.org
About Natural England
Natural Englandis the government’s adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006, Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. www.naturalengland.org.uk
About the Forestry Commission
The Forestry Commission’s mission is to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. FC takes the lead, on behalf of all three administrations, in the development and promotion of sustainable forest management. FC delivers the distinct forestry policies of England, Scotland and Wales through specific objectives drawn from the country forestry strategies so their mission and values may be different in each. www.forestry.gov.uk
Tags: