Please Adopt A Red Squirrel

[Digifrog]

Why Adopt a Red Squirrel?



Rufus the Red SquirreI

Rufus and his family live in the wild on a beautiful Nature Reserve on Brownsea Island, within Poole harbour, Dorset. The woodland is his home.

Many of Rufus' friends and relatives on the mainland are under threat and they have disappeared from most of England. This is because Grey Squirrels, introduced to England around 150 years ago from North America, are eating the Red Squirrels' food. Most Red Squirrels have been replaced. Diseases and habitat loss have also contributed to the Red Squirrels' demise. Brownsea Island offers one of the last refuges in the south of England where Red Squirrels can be seen in the wild.

Nationally the Red Squirrel population is in decline and it is estimated that only 200 survive on the island.

They desperately need our help.

By adopting a Red Squirrel you will be contributing to the vital conservation work of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, helping to make Dorset richer in wildlife.

Brownsea Island is owned by the National Trust who lease the Northern half to Dorset Wildlife Trust for a Nature Reserve.

The Facts about Red Squirrels
They:

do not hibernate over winter
can swim
can live up to 6 years
live in drays made of twigs, leaves and moss built in trees
eat seeds, buds, leaves, flowers, shoots and fruit of many trees and shrubs, fungi, insects and occasional birds' egg
weigh 275 - 300 grams

Adoptions
Adoptions last for one year. All adopters will receive an adoption pack:




The adoption pack is suitable for both adults and children and makes an excellent gift. It includes:

An adoption certificate and a photo of your Red Squirrel
A Beatrix Potter Squirrel Nutkin book
An information sheet
Red Squirrel badge/tie pin
A colouring sheet
A Fluffy Red Squirrel for adopters paying by Direct Debit
Other exciting packs available on renewal of your adoption
Minimum adoption fee, £15.
Please give more if you can.
To adopt a Red Squirrel like Rufus, print an application form and send to DWT

OR call the Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 with your credit card handy (Visa/Mastercard/CAF).

Personal Message from Sir David Attenborough:

"The Red Squirrel has disappeared over most of England and Wales. One group however still survives in Dorset. Please help the Dorset Wildlife Trust to protect it. Your contribution will make a difference."

With your help we will be able to protect wildlife for the future in the following ways:

manage valuable habitats for wildlife
increase public awareness of the value of wildlife
campaign in the fight to prevent inappropriate development
work to influence decision-makers right up to government level
Adopt a Squirrel today and protect wildlife for the future.

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/supportdwt/adoptasquirrel.htm

[martin s]

I'm all for supporting Red Squirrels, or any wildlife for that matter. But please lets cut the anti-grey squirrel propaganda. Look at the records and you'll see man is far more responsible for their decline than grey squirrels who are simply better at surviving in todays environment despite being class by many people as vermin and killed.

[Boddie]

I agree with you Martin. I dont see greys as being that much of a problem

[eeyore]

unless they are in your loft...

btw: martin I'd just highlight that we have a thread curently running on the red vs grey debate " grey squirells love them or cull them" in the mammal forums , if you are interested

[Boddie]

I had them in my loft and they ate through the TV coax. The guy on the top floor could hear them running about. It was driving him mad

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Boddie

I had them in my loft and they ate through the TV coax. The guy on the top floor could hear them running about. It was driving him mad

yeah we had them this year - chewing on the waterpipes in the we small hours

I fancied shooting through the ceiling like the cable car scene on where eagles dare but the old dear wouldnt let me

we trapped em in the end

[Lance Morgan]

A Grey found its way down the chimney of my mother in laws house in the wee small hours one night. In its haste to find an escape route it tried to chew through the lead flashing on their lead lite windows.

[martin s]

well they do need to keep their teeth sharp.

Thanks I'll check the other discussion.

[protector20]

i would have liked to adopt one but my mom would never....

[Purplepixii]

Thanks for the info Digifrog - I will definately adopt one. I adore squirrels