Despite their charm and status as the UK's only native squirrel species, red squirrels are classed as endangered in Britain. Once numbering millions, populations have dramatically declined and are now estimated at around 287,000.
Red Squirrel Awareness Week may be over, but support for red squirrel recovery continues as a new £250,000 grant scheme empowers communities to support red squirrel recovery.
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Pressures such as habitat loss, competition from invasive, non-native grey squirrels, and the spread of the fatal squirrel pox virus, have caused red squirrels to face local extinction in large parts of Britain, making conservation efforts and community action increasingly important.
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN), funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to safeguard remaining populations and raise public awareness in Northumberland, Cumbria, parts of Lancashire & Merseyside, Southern Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway, and the Scottish Borders.
With £250,000 available for the five-year project across the Network’s area, the Community Grants Scheme will provide accessible funding to help bring red squirrel and nature themed projects to life. Grants will support activities and ideas to inspire people to engage with red squirrel conservation and their natural surroundings.
To celebrate our native Red Squirrel, it is wonderful to see these grants being made available to communities to deliver projects where they can learn more about the species. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Community Grant Scheme will give people a chance to get involved with the conservation of this rare creature and work to make the magical experience of spotting them in the wild a more regular occurrence.Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Credit: donpetroleum
The RSRN is keen to fund and support innovative and locally inspired proposals, helping communities celebrate red squirrels, reconnect with nature, and project our shared natural heritage.
Examples of what funding could support include:
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Hiring a minibus to visit a red squirrel site
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Organising community red squirrel walks or wildlife celebration events
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Delivering creative workshops inspired by red squirrels
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Making improvements to heritage or natural spaces linked to red squirrel conservation
The Scheme is an incredible opportunity to engage people from all backgrounds in red squirrel conservation. From introducing children to red squirrels for the very first time to delivering larger habitat protection projects, we're keen to hear your ideas on inspiring action for nature.Red Squirrel Recovery Network Communications Officer
Grants of up to £500 will be available for smaller activities, making it easier for schools, community groups to get involved, whereas larger grants up to £5,000 will support ideas with a wider reach and deeper community impact.
Pat Aitchison
The Community Grant Scheme has been designed to be fair, simple, and accessible. Applications will be assessed transparently to ensure impartial decisions and equitable distribution across the Network’s area. By keeping the application process straightforward and proportionate, the RSRN aims to remove barriers and encourage participation from a wide range of communities.
Groups interested in applying are encouraged to start with one simple question: What would your community hope to achieve with a little extra support?
For more information about eligibility and criteria, please contact the Red Squirrel Recovery Network on rsrn@northwt.org.uk or apply below:
This project is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Apply today
Applications for the Community Grant Scheme are arranged through the project lead of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, Northumberland Wildlife Trust