Newsletter

The WRSS Autumn 2011 newsletter is available here>>

The WRSS Spring 2011 newsletter is available here>>
The WRSS Summer 2010 newsletter is available here>>

Dates for your diary

For 2012 we are planning WRSS stalls at countryside events across the area starting with Damson Day in April.

As soon as dates/events are finalised we will post the details here.

WRSS becomes a registered charity

WRSS has been successful in its application to the Charity Commission to become a registered charity - charity registration number 1144416. This will enable WRSS to take advantage of Gift Aid on membership subscriptions and donations as well as having charity collection boxes placed in local shops and businesses.

Events 2011

WRSS has had a very successful season of events in 2011, with nine shows attended, some of them for the first time - Hawkshead Show, Rydal Show and Ings Sheepdog Trials.

The response from the public has been outstanding and we would like to thank and welcome all the new members who joined at these events.

Future plans

Over the last year the hard work of our volunteers has been rewarded by a steady stream of sightings of red squirrels in places where they have not been seen for many years, showing that they can and do reclaim their old territories if the conditions are right.

If we are to build on this success, we not only need funding, but also the involvement of local residents. We know that we have high level of local support for our cause and would like to encourage as many people as possible to take an active part in the many aspects of our work.

To find out more about how you can help, please email to:
admin@westmorlandredsquirrels.org.uk

Grizedale Project announced

The Westmorland Red Squirrel Society has been awarded a 'Your Heritage' grant for two years of red squirrel conservation in the Grizedale Forest area of the Lake District.

This exciting project will include contributions and involvement from the Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park, RSNE, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Landowners and the surrounding communities. It is of strategic importance to Cumbria and will tie in with RSNE's work in the North Lakes stronghold.

A Red Squirrel Officer and Red Squirrel Ranger will be recruited for this project.

More news will follow, but in the meantime, if you have any questions please contact: Jackie Foott, jfoott@btinternet.com

Witherslack appeal

The raised peat bog project covering Foulshaw, Meathop and Nichols Moss has been a great success, but unfortunately for the red squirrels living there, the plan now is to fell the remaining trees to reduce the amount of water they draw from the bog. It is therefore vitally important that the deciduous and conifer woods that border these mosses are safe places for any displaced red squirrels to move into.

We are asking residents in the Witherslack area to help us in our efforts to protect these vulnerable red squirrels.

For more details of the appeal, follow the link to an article in the Witherslack News>>

If you live around Witherslack and you can offer some help, please email us at: chairman@westmorlandredsquirrels.org.uk or telephone Geoff Hetherington on 01539 822089 or 07836 584201

News items

19th March 2011 - By Robin Page, Daily Telegraph - Prince Charles: We must save the squirrel>>

17th February 2011 - Westmorland Gazette - Prince launches red squirrel conservation project>>

19th January 2011 - Cumberland News - Red squirrels facing extinction in 30 years>>

12th November 2010 - Witherslack News - Red Squirrel Update by the Westmorland Red Squirrel Society>>

11th November 2010 - By Tony Henderson, The Journal - Groups unite to help red squirrels survive>>

2nd July 2010 - Lake District National Park Authority press release - ‘Reds’ protection call to county landowners>>