Red squirrel awareness week took place from September 30 until October 6, and was a fantastic opportunity for the Yorkshire Arboretum to showcase their work and educate the public about this endangered species.
2023 saw the introduction of three young squirrels, Erike, Hazel and Holly, to the Arboretum. Straight away they were very friendly with visitors and soon got used to breakfast appearing in the mornings. Kits followed later in the year with several litters being born at the Arboretum to the joy and relief of the hard-working team.
Over the autumn and winter, the kits were transferred to other sites, both captive and released into the wild.
Unfortunately, due to a fighting injury, Erike died over the winter. Now the Arboretum has three young girls, Hazel, Holly and one of their young Ginger. The team hope to introduce a new male over the winter so they can get to know one another before the breeding season next year.
For red squirrel awareness week, the team at the Arboretum organised a range of webinars in the Tree Health Centre- each focused on a different theme to share information and encourage action.
The Arboretum have also launched new ways for the public to support their work with red squirrels. They have a range of adoption levels ranging from £30 a year going up to £450 which helps support the centre.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Arboretum said: “At the moment the girls are getting ready for the winter so tend to be more active than usual but unsurprisingly don’t like the bad weather we’ve been having. Do come over and enjoy the antics of Hazel, Holly and Ginger!
"We have talks at 10.30am in the compound each Tuesday and Saturday through to the end of November (weather dependent), where you can find out more about these adorable and increasingly endangered native species.”
Visit https://www.yorkshirearboretum.org/ for more information.
5. Red squirrel awareness week at Yorkshire Arboretum
At the Arboretum, the squirrels eat a mixture of different seeds, supplemented with fruit and vegetables such as carrots. Hazelnuts and walnuts are given as treats. Photo: Simon Hulme
6. Red squirrel awareness week at Yorkshire Arboretum
Over the past century, Red Squirrels have been wiped out from most areas by squirrel pox, a disease carried by the Grey Squirrel, introduced from North America around 1900. Today the Red Squirrel is classed as endangered, with less than 30,000 living in England. Photo: Simon Hulme
7. Red squirrel awareness week at Yorkshire Arboretum
Red Squirrels do not hibernate in winter but are less active, surviving on food stored underground or in tree crevices. Photo: Simon Hulme
8. Red squirrel awareness week at Yorkshire Arboretum
The Red Squirrel Enclosure is open every day. Although Red Squirrels may be seen throughout the day, they tend to be most active in the morning and afternoon. Photo: Simon Hulme