30 years of dedicated red squirrel work and study by the Wight Squirrel Project has now been completed and published during what is National Red Squirrel Week (10th-16th October).
The book – Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight – is a detailed record of the red squirrel conservation work from 1991 to 2022. Whilst based on science, it has been written in a style so that non-scientific people can also easily enjoy and understand it.
The aim of this book is to provide a reference document for future red squirrel workers and enthusiasts to use, so they can continue to map the progress of our population of red squirrels.
It comes in 3 parts, including data, descriptions and findings of post-mortem examinations, as well as details of a red squirrel’s life and projects such as the rope bridges.
Red squirrel lovers and enthusiasts will find this fascinating, as it covers such a wide range of topics. Corridors, habitat management and tree planting in general all contribute to keeping our red squirrels thriving on the Isle of Wight. There are whole sections dedicated to research and surveys, which will prove incredibly useful to conscientious foresters and landowners. There is a host of materials for educational use as well.
Helen Butler, the author, said:
“If it wasn’t for lockdown and a lot of help with typing, running graphs and proofreading I don’t think this book would ever have been finished! I’m also grateful to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for hosting the launch event.”
Whilst detailed reading will suit some, others may just want a few facts and a newly written pocketbook, again written by Helen, is also available. The booklets can be bought in shops all around the Island and will share their launch with the larger book.
The books are large and cost £63 each to produce. Wight Squirrel Project is subsidising the books, and they are for sale at £35 each. The Museum of Ryde is acting as a pickup point but anyone wishing to buy 1 should contact Helen at [email protected] or phone: 01983 611003.
Tickets are available to attend the launch at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, on Thursday 13th October at 17:00. The audience will be able to ask questions and purchase the book itself or 1 of the smaller, pocket book of fun facts and figures.
We used to have anything up to 5-6 different shades of red squirrels feeding in our back garden everyday, that was back in July and we haven’t seen one since.
Has anybody else encountered this.
It normally always goes quiet in September every year but this has been 3 months now, something is not right.
Could it be that squirrel pox has wiped them all out or is it a buzzard that has taken a liking to all of them, any ideas would be appreciated to get them back.
Might be the lack of water this year.
I have noticed only a few this summer.
Also very few Jay’s and woodpecker sightings.
Not as many insects around either.
Don’t panic.Saw two young ones chasing each other around our squirrel boxes yesterday afternoon.We are in Ashley.