Yes, in the national news! :unibrow:

One of the country's most beautiful sand dune and pinewood coastal areas is to become a red squirrel refuge. The National Trust said the Sefton Coast Woodlands, part of its Formby Estate on Merseyside, is the third national red squirrel refuge in the UK.

It is being launched at the start of Red Squirrel Week by Red Alert, a partnership of 120 organisations and individuals, including the National Trust and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, all committed to protecting the threatened species.

The woodlands will be surrounded by a three-mile "buffer zone" in an attempt to stop the movement of grey squirrels into the refuge area and safeguard the future of the much-loved creatures.

Andrew Brockbank, the National Trust's Countryside Property Manager at Formby, said: "People in the Formby and Sefton Coast area are justly proud of their red squirrels and fiercely resist anything which threatens their long-term survival.

"Long-term conservation of red squirrels will only succeed in this area, if grey squirrels are effectively controlled."

Once found throughout most of the UK, the distribution of red squirrels has declined dramatically in the last one hundred years with the break-up of their woodland habitats and the spread of the larger, more dominant North American grey squirrel.

As a result, red squirrels have only a few remaining habitats - mostly the coniferous forests of Scotland, Wales and Northern England.

There are about 160,000 red squirrels left in the UK compared with 2.5 million grey squirrels.

The other two National Red Squirrel Refuges are Spadeadam in Keilder Forest and Oasis Holiday Village, Penrith.


Source (http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13434626,00.html)

Anything to help keep the Red Squirrals existing is great. Only ever saw one once near Alton Towers I think.

My brother gets my dog to chase grey squirrals in the park, all she does is chase and bark at them though nothing else lol, she wouldn't harm it. She just like sto chase small animals.

About two years ago on a rainy miserable November day I took my kids to the squirrel reserve,and with it being so quiet and deserted the squirrels were letting us hand feed them which was a truly amazing experience,I would definitely recommend doing this if your into nature or want to see your kids smile for hours,it has to be very dull and rainy to do this and you will get covered in crap so go prepared but its worth it. :nod:

Hi, Paul. One time we went to Formby Point we bought a packet of 'food' for the squirrels off the guy at the entrance, it consisted of a couple of monkey nuts among other stuff. Anyway, off we went to find our red friends. It wasn't long before one ran along the fence, sorted out the monkey nut from the other dross in my hand and b*ggered off. So next time you go, I suggest you pay a visit to the supermarket to buy yer nuts, 'cos they're fussy sods! As you say, a great place to take the kids,and it's free! Car parking is a bit pricey at £3 odd though, but what the hell...

Yes your right scousemouse they defo prefer the monkey nuts.

Its a very nice place, we (the family) have been 3 times now with the babies.

I'll upload a pic soon.

Formby is a smashing place any time of the year. It's nice for days out in the summertime, but you can have lovely autumn afternoon walks too. Days like today with nice autumn sunshine. Even winter walks can be nice. Wrap up well and enjoy the crisp winter atmosphere - as long as it's not a damp day.
We went there in December once - just before Xmas - and it was really nice.
There was a clear sky and a huge silver moon shining through the pine woods.


.... ooh, I'm coming over all poetic here :lol:

Took the kids to Formby to see the squirrels today. I've attached a couple of pics and I'll upload more soon.

http://www.yoliverpool.com/squirrels.gif
http://www.yoliverpool.com/squirrels2.gif

ahh, that's a nice pic Kev :) did the kids see lots of squirrels? Some are quite tame and will come and feed from your hand. We've got my son on video when he was little feeding a squirrel.

ahh, that's a nice pic Kev :) did the kids see lots of squirrels? Some are quite tame and will come and feed from your hand. We've got my son on video when he was little feeding a squirrel.

Yep, there were loads of 'em

Too many grey Squirrals in parks near me and have the Americans to thank for it!:mad:

Lol, my brother gets the dog to chase them and goes to her look and kill and she chases them and some nearly have been caught not noticing her!:shock:

Brother said she actually caught one off a tree and had it in her teeth!:shock:

Isnt there a law that lets u kill the grey ones?

Don't know.

Don't know.

I think there is, can someone give us more infO?

Me Brother took a picture of one when it came up to him when he poured some strawberry milkshake on the ground. They'll come up to ya if ya got food.

Yep, there were loads of 'em

Was it busy or did you get to hand feed a few?

we got very close to a few, cheeky little buggers they are :p they dont hang about.

Brother said she actually caught one off a tree and had it in her teeth!:shock:

I hate it when that happens!!!, I always carry some dental floss, be prepared and all that. :)

He had to shout to her to drop it because she would of bit it in half and could of caught soemthing if she pierced it.

As a £1m national programme to save the red squirrel species is launched today, Formby is one of only 16 places selected to take part because it offers one of the best chances of survival.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16348719%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=%2dpound%2d1m%2dred%2dalert%2dto%2dsave %2dmuch%2dloved%2dsquirrels-name_page.html).....

WOOO HOOO Save the native red squrral!:cool:

I saw a fox the other morning.... :o)

Foxes are the gear :)

I saw a fox the other morning.... :o)

Foxes are the gear :)

U must have been up early mate, or just getting in perhaps? :unibrow:

Fox was in my street once in the Alley eating out of bin bags! Saw me and ran half way up the street then ran back up to get to sefton park nearby.

One was in Greenbank park too but you only see them at night.

Isnt there a law that lets u kill the grey ones?

...It gets thornier; “control” translates as “culling”. Live capture and shooting are the only legal methods of dispatching the creatures, and Smolka – the red squirrels’ champion in south Scotland – demonstrates a typical wire cage trap. Baited with maize – a favourite grey squirrel snack – they are covered and placed on the ground, where greys generally feed. To minimise suffering, traps are checked twice daily, and any reds immediately released. As for the unfortunate greys, Smolka says: “Some people shoot them in the trap, but we advise you get a sack, put it over the end and when the trap is open, the grey goes into the sack. You then take it in the sack to very solid ground, like concrete or stone, and give it a very hard blow to the back of the head.”

It sounds hideous, although training and detailed instructions are given to landowners and Smolka insists the method is humane. “But most keepers shoot them directly in the sack,” says Riley. “Because if you’re fiddling about with a sack and the thing gets out, you’ve committed an offence. It’s illegal to release grey squirrels into the wild.”

SOURCE (http://www.gisp.org/whatsnew/shownews.asp?id=128&MyMenuItem=news&worldmap=region&country=Europe)

:eek:

Red alert: Saving the squirrel

The red squirrel is being killed by its grey cousin. Should we intervene?

Imagine the tiger vanishing from India, or the giant panda disappearing from China. The red squirrel has the same iconic status in England, say those who want to save it. Losing the small, tufty creature that inspired Beatrix Potter to invent Squirrel Nutkin would diminish the soul of the nation, they say, as well as being an ecological disaster.

The red has three advantages that will help it survive: its looks; our instinctive hostility to all things American just now; and the passion that the British have, whatever the Government says, for killing things. Pass the shotgun would you? Bloody Yanks. Sorry, greys.
More (http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article326769.ece)...

:rolleyes:

U must have been up early mate, or just getting in perhaps? :unibrow:

:unibrow: , Ah it was early doors, and I was walking the dog, thank God he was on his lead :shock:

[size=3]
The red squirrel is being killed by its grey cousin. Should we intervene?

Yes, we should protect our native species from the foriegn invaders :smoke: :evil:

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/636/squirrel16ms.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/906/squirrel22wd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/273/squirrel30cv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Payed a visit to Formby today myself and it was very busy but it was a great day out.:cool:

Payed a visit to Formby today myself and it was very busy but it was a great day out.:cool:
Nice photees Paul mate :p Did u get down to the beach?

:unibrow: , Ah it was early doors, and I was walking the dog, thank God he was on his lead

Speed of Dogs when they chasing them!:shock:

Red alert: Saving the squirrel

The red squirrel is being killed by its grey cousin. Should we intervene?

Imagine the tiger vanishing from India, or the giant panda disappearing from China. The red squirrel has the same iconic status in England, say those who want to save it. Losing the small, tufty creature that inspired Beatrix Potter to invent Squirrel Nutkin would diminish the soul of the nation, they say, as well as being an ecological disaster.


More (http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article326769.ece)...

:rolleyes:

Just like human Americans, they want to take over! :mad:

Awww just like at the little shy fella nothing like his grey counter part who'll come up to you for food.

Nice photees Paul mate :p Did u get down to the beach?

No it was a bit too cold but I did get some Autumn pics of the pinewoods.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1976/formby68wb.jpg



http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5467/formby10ss.jpg



http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1857/formby27ml.jpg

Very nice Paul, cheers :PDT11

Nice but no Squirrals.:sad:

Beautiful photos - I love the pine woods in the autumn.

Speed of Dogs when they chasing them!:shock:

Mine goes mad for next doors cat :unibrow: , God help me if he went after a foxy:eek:

If it stays cold this weekend, at trip back might be on the cards :unibrow:

£1 million drive launched to save the red squirrel

The biggest drive undertaken to save Britain's native red squirrels from extinction is being launched.

The £1m strategy will focus on carefully-selected red squirrel reserves in forests in Cumbria, Yorkshire, Merseyside and Northumbria.
The species has been declining since American grey squirrels were introduced in the 19th Century, spreading illness and out-competing them for food.
Experts say they now out-number reds by 66 to 1.
The North of England Red Squirrel Conservation Strategy is being launched by Red Alert North England, which is made up of wildlife trusts, the Forestry Commission and landowners.
The woodland areas chosen as reserves will be managed to support healthy populations of the creatures but will be less well suited to the larger grey squirrels.
Targeted grey squirrel control will take place in 'buffer zones' surrounding the reserves to protect the reds.
It is hoped the reserves will cancel out the grey squirrel's natural competitive advantage. Richard Pow, chair of Red Alert North England, said the new approach was the result of years of scientific research and hands-on experience.
He said: "All the major partners have been involved in developing this new approach to red squirrel conservation.
"We will be combining their resources and expertise to try to ensure that this extraordinary creature survives in England into the next century."
Previous efforts to safeguard red squirrel populations – characterised mainly by ad-hoc culling of grey squirrels – have proved largely unsuccessful.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said public interest in an concern for red squirrels was at an all-time high and that hundreds of thousands of people came to Northumberland hoping to see the 'iconic species' in the wild.
"It is fair to say they are one of the country's best-loved native mammals," he added.

17 November 2005

Source: Lakeland Today (http://www.lakelandtoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=37&ArticleID=1258378)

http://www.elltate.co.uk/graphics/AG_squirrel.gif

Plan to control grey squirrels
Jan 22 2006

Grey squirrel populations are to be controlled under a Government action plan.

The move aims to focus on areas where the animals are damaging woodland and preventing red squirrels from becoming established.

Environment Minister Jim Knight said: "Many people love grey squirrels, but the reality is that they are a real problem for some of our most threatened native species, like the red squirrel and dormouse.

"It is not realistic, practical or even desirable to completely eradicate grey squirrels - but we must control them effectively now, or there will be serious consequences.

"Grey squirrels threaten woodland management through damage to trees and woodlands and by squeezing out red squirrels and possible other wildlife like woodland birds.

"We have seen in projects such as Red Alert North England, how active intervention, control and protection can ensure the safety and expansion of the red squirrel.

"Through humane and targeted pest control in the areas where this damage is most critical, local woodland and wildlife managers - with the full backing and expertise of the Forestry Commission, will be able to control and contain these threats and preserve or rebalance some of our native ecology."

The grey squirrel was introduced into this country from North America in the nineteenth century and has spread widely, especially in lowland areas, with a population now estimated at more than two million.

They are regarded as pests by a number of groups because of the damage they cause to woodland.

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0300nationalnews/tm_objectid=16612441&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=plan-to-control-grey-squirrels-name_page.html)

New weapon in war to save red squirrels from grey virus
Mar 13 2006
By Tomi Ajayi Daily Post Correspondent

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icseftonwl/oct2004/3/1/0007E026-F09E-1178-8BF880C328EC0000.jpg

NEW moves to preserve Formby's red squirrel population by sterilising grey squirrels have been proposed.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16807686%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=new%2dweapon%2din%2dwar%2dto%2dsave%2dr ed%2dsquirrels%2dfrom%2dgrey%2dvirus-name_page.html)...

:shock:

That Squirral looks like it's doing ninja style on that pic when he's jumping.:ninja:

Endangered red squirrels have been thrown a £600,000 lifeline.

The money has been awarded to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) which has set up nature reserves providing habitats for the shy animals. Red squirrels are facing extinction and the money will be spent on protecting dwindling numbers in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Merseyside.
Visitors to selected forest sites will also be able to take advantage of new viewing hides, web cams and educational displays.

more (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/4877074.stm)

The squirrals can get a pimped up refuge now.:cool:

Bug may wipe out red squirrels
Jul 19 2006
By Emma Gunby And Graham Davies, Daily Post

A DEADLY virus could wipe out Merseyside's rare red squirrels, an expert warned last night.

The warning came after vets confirmed a red squirrel had died from the squirrel pox virus in Ainsdale which is carried by the more common grey squirrels but does not affect them.

The red squirrel has no immunity to the disease.

Steve White, conservation officer at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: "It is very worrying, but the discovery of this disease is not always disastrous and we hope we will be able to contain it.

The dead squirrel was found in a back garden a few miles from the National Trust red squirrel reserve at Formby Point.

Conservationists are monitoring the situation and calling for the humane culling of grey squirrels to stop an epidemic. They are asking members of the public to contact them if they spot grey squirrels in their gardens, as well as sick or dead red squirrels.

And they are urging people who feed red squirrels in their gardens to stop doing so, or to disinfect feeding equipment daily to try to stop the spread of disease.

An outbreak of the virus in Ince Blundell, near Crosby, two years ago killed about 50 of the 1,500 red squirrel population.

Mr White said: "If this thing gets hold of the red squirrel population, it will kill them - and kill them very quickly. Our only hope is to get in and get rid of the grey squirrels as quickly as possible."

Grey squirrels outnumber reds by 66 to one.Formby was made a national red squirrel refuge in September.

The other two national refuges are Spadeadam in Keilder Forest and Oasis Holiday Village, Penrith. ¦ ANYONE who spots a sick or dying red squirrel should call wildlife officers on 0151 920 3769.

graham.davies@dailypost.co.uk

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17408659%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=bug%2dmay%2dwipe%2dout%2dred%2dsquirrel s%2d-name_page.html)

We're right to defend red squirrels by killing greys
Aug 4 2006
By Jessica Shaughnessy Daily Post Staff

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icseftonwl/oct2004/3/1/0007E026-F09E-1178-8BF880C328EC0000.jpg

CHAMPIONS of Formby's red squirrel last night dismissed an expert's advice to stop culling nuisance greys.

New research claims millions of pounds are being wasted on conservation schemes to save red squirrels.

It's co-author, Professor Stephen Harris, of Bristol University, said a "losing battle" is being fought and nature should be allowed to take its course.

But last night, Andrew Brockbank, property manager at Formby's National Trust estate, one which has 1,000 red squirrels, said conservationists should not be so "defeatist".

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17514827%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=we%2dre%2dright%2dto%2ddefend%2dred%2ds quirrels%2dby%2dkilling%2dgreys-name_page.html)...

Where I live in northeast Arkansas I never see a red squirrel, there are millions of the grey varmints though. A lot of people shoot them because they cause so much mischief in the garden, I wouldn't harm them there are really cute.
Years ago I was visiting friends out in the country, we had a delicious stew for lunch, when I asked what it was they said Squirrel, as I said it was really tasty,flavour a bit like rabbit stew.:037:

http://static.flickr.com/113/250430608_570ce80a10.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/250430608/)

http://static.flickr.com/109/250430371_16e8a5ae30.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/250430371/)

http://static.flickr.com/110/250430091_b98e089e9a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/250430091/)

http://static.flickr.com/93/250429869_2d48e6f0d9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/250429869/)

http://static.flickr.com/109/250429596_7d3a79fc35.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/250429596/)

I absolutely love it there you summed it up when you said the place is uplifting we really should use what we have on offer,landlocked cities would die for somewhere like this in their region.:celb (23):

Paul, I can't believe I havn't posted any before, we go all the time now. Its great how the web site has inspired myself and others to explore their environment more. Cheers fella :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Paul, I can't believe I havn't posted any before, we go all the time now. Its great how the web site has inspired myself and others to explore their environment more. Cheers fella :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

I recommend a really cold rainy day in November because the place is empty and the squirrels can sometimes be persuaded to eat out of hand,it's true this forum does encourage you to explore.

We went on a crisp winter walk there once. A few days before Xmas. It was lovely. A winter sun shining through the trees. :)

I absolutely love it there you summed it up when you said the place is uplifting we really should use what we have on offer,landlocked cities would die for somewhere like this in their region.:celb (23):

it must be nice to live there in Formby and have this on your doorstep.

JOYRIDERS in stolen 4X4s ram-raided their way into Formby's famous red squirrel reserve and used it as an assault course. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=car-yobs-ram%2Draid-reserve-%26method=full%26objectid=18225484%26siteid=50061-name_page.html) :Colorz_Grey_PDT_24: :PDT_Xtremez_12: :Colorz_Grey_PDT_24: :PDT_Xtremez_12: :Colorz_Grey_PDT_24: :PDT_Xtremez_12: :Colorz_Grey_PDT_24: :PDT_Xtremez_12: