Writing up 30 years of red squirrel work on the Isle of Wight was the task Helen Butler MBE set herself during lockdown.
Wight Squirrels’ focus is on monitoring red squirrels on the Isle of Wight without using intrusive methods as the creatures are sensitive and can die of stress when caught or handled.
The project was founded in 1993 by Helen Butler, and the charity is run by volunteers under the guidance of Helen who also processes all data received. In 2012, Helen Butler was awarded the ‘Special Award’ by The Red Squirrel Survival Trust ‘in ‘recognition of outstanding service to red squirrel conservation in the United Kingdom’.
In 2013 she received an MBE for services to red squirrels on the Isle of Wight.
Helen said:
“There is so much information it was a nightmare trying to work out how to present it. In the end it had to be split into three parts and then into sections and chapters.
“Part 2 is all about data and past surveys and research, including sightings sent in by the general public plus bi-annual woodland monitoring, carried out by dedicated volunteers.
“It is over 200 pages of A4 and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Part 3 is about mortality and morbidity and not for anyone with a weak stomach!”
Article continues below this advertisement
Work has slowed as lockdown lifted and other jobs come in. A corrupted hard drive on the PC that needed replacing and a laptop that ground to a halt didn’t help either!
Helen said:
“Pulling all this data together has needed help from experts in QGIS (map making) and Excel.
“I’m really grateful to anyone who has given advice and time. The finished publication will be useful as a reference for anyone taking on red squirrel work on the Isle of Wight.
“The general public plays an important role in red squirrel conservation, so please keep your sightings coming.”
The introductory part 1 is now ready to download from the Wight Squirrel Project website www.wightsquirrels.co.uk. You can email [email protected], ring 01983 611003, or go to the website and download the app or use the online form.
