A pilot scheme to train red squirrels to deliver letters across rural parts of the Isle of Wight is said to be underway, in a bid to improve postal efficiency.
The initiative, reportedly backed by a private logistics firm, involves fitting lightweight harnesses to squirrels capable of carrying small envelopes between designated locations in some of the Isle of Wight’s more hard-to-reach villages.
It is understood that the trial is focusing on rural routes where traditional delivery methods can be slower due to narrow lanes, limited access and dispersed properties.
Handlers are said to be using food-based incentives and scent trails to guide the animals along fixed delivery routes, with feeding stations positioned at key locations to encourage consistency and return journeys.
Early trials are claimed to have achieved ‘surprisingly high success rates’, with some squirrels completing routes in under 10 minutes – significantly quicker than standard delivery times in certain areas.
A spokesperson connected to the project has said:
“Red squirrels are uniquely suited to this environment.
“They are fast, agile, and already well adapted to the Isle of Wight landscape.”
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It is also suggested that the scheme could reduce the need for delivery vehicles on rural roads, potentially lowering emissions and easing pressure on existing postal services.
However, concerns have been raised about reliability, particularly regarding distractions, weather conditions and the potential loss or damage of post during transit.
Animal welfare groups are also said to be monitoring the situation closely, although no formal statements have been issued.
Ha brilliant April fools
Top marks to the writer
Excellent!!!
Definitely an April Fool’s joke- but great article
Why not, Royal Mail couldn’t deliver a French Letter
lol
Trust you to turn a good article into yet another gripe.
You must have a good post person. I have a Numpty!
Has the union been contacted i could see this being an issue, surely wages are going to be under cut i can see some of their members going nuts.
Ha ha brilliant one, well written I bet someone’s actually going to believe it? Happy April fools day IE
It’s definitely true – I’ve just had a delivery by a very happy squirrel who went on their way chewing on some nuts that I had in my food cupboard. The wife thinks that I’m actually nuts but I know what I saw!! (and he was wearing squirrel shorts!)
NO ITS TRUE ..and those little Squirells will be far quicker than Royal Mail and so much cheaper 2 nuts for first class and one for 2nd class !!
Be careful people in wroxalllll might try catch them and put in a stew.
Wouldn’t arrive any later and be cute and fluffy!
Why not we might actually get some post…m or train them to sort “Evri”….
Hahahahahahahahahaha, brilliant….