The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust has raised more than £4,000 in just 4 days through its ‘Return of the Reds’ online charity auction, with organisers hoping to reach an ambitious £10,000 target before bidding closes on Sunday.
The auction, which features hundreds of lots donated by Island businesses and supporters, has already attracted £4,053 in bids.
Bidding got off to a flying start, with £2,250 pledged on the opening day alone. The Trust hopes to beat its previous auction record of £6,128, set in November 2024.
Among the lots up for grabs are a 2-night family break at Nettlecombe Farm in Whitwell, a signed limited-edition aerial print of Priory Bay, collectable red squirrel toys and handmade jewellery.
Starting bids are as low as £4, while more than 40 vouchers for Island restaurants, pubs, cafés and attractions are also available. Bidders from across the UK can take part, with many items available for postage.
Money raised will support the Trust’s conservation work at Howes Wood, which was purchased with the help of funds raised by Simon Howes during his solo row across the Pacific.
The charity says there is growing evidence of increased red squirrel numbers returning to the woodland, which also recently hosted the first meeting of the Red Tail Rangers, a new children’s conservation club.
Beth Greaves-Jones, of the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust, has said:
“We have been absolutely blown away by the response in the first few days of the auction. To pass a third of our target so quickly is a wonderful reminder of just how much people care about our red squirrels.
“The Isle of Wight is one of the last places in southern England where red squirrels still thrive, and we can only protect them with the help of the public.
“Whether you are on the Island or a red squirrel fan elsewhere in the UK, every bid, every share and every voucher bought makes a real difference. Please help us reach our £10,000 goal.”
The ‘Return of the Reds’ auction closes at 20:00 on Sunday 8th November.
Those wishing to browse the lots or place a bid can do so at https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/returnofthereds2026.
