What would a world without volunteers look like?
Perhaps it would feel quieter. Less connected. Less driven by passion, generosity, and people willing to give their time to something bigger than themselves.
Quite simply, without volunteers, there would be no red squirrel recovery.
Allan Johnston
Across northern England and southern Scotland, hundreds of volunteers are working to secure a future for one of our most treasured native species. Whether monitoring populations at dawn, fundraising in their local community, reporting sightings, raising awareness, or sharing their passion for red squirrels with others, every contribution makes a difference.
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network currently supports 36 volunteer groups, but its greatest strength is not the number of groups or the large size of the project area. It is the people behind it: individuals giving their time, energy, skills, and enthusiasm to protect red squirrels for future generations.
Heather Harris
William Penn once wrote, "Time is what we want most, but what we use worst." Yet spending time with a red squirrel volunteer is proof that some time is exceptionally well spent. Across our woodlands and communities, volunteers are helping to gather vital data, engage local people, raise funds, and champion the recovery of this iconic native species.
For many volunteers, the rewards go far beyond conservation. Volunteering creates friendships, strengthens communities, and offers opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
To some people it may seem crazy to get up at the crack of dawn to walk a monitoring transect for a couple of hours, each week each for three weeks in spring and autumn, but if you are considering volunteering, don't let that put you off - the woodlands can be at their most beautiful when they are waking up alongside you.Red Squirrel Volunteer
Lynn Hogg
One of the best things about the Network is that there is no single way to get involved.
For Lynn, a lifelong love of red squirrels inspired her to combine conservation with creativity by knitting animals and selling them on Etsy to raise funds for her local group in Merseyside.
All proceeds from Lynn's creatures, along with other volunteers' jewellery, cushions, gloves, and more, go directly towards red squirrel conservation.
It is just so rewarding to think all the money goes to such a worthwhile cause and it actually comes from doing something that I love. To date I have sold nearly 200 creatures, posting all over the UK. I’ve had such lovely feedback too and quite a few repeat customers.Red Squirrel Volunteer
For friends Linda and Jill, volunteering has deepened both their connection to local wildlife and their local community. Linda's photography has helped inspire countless others to appreciate and support red squirrel conservation.
Linda Baker
For volunteers like Maureen, fond memories of spotting red squirrels have been cherished since childhood, and sadly those magical moments are becoming less frequent.
Maureen's last sighting was on Red Squirrel Appreciation Day this January, but years of dedication have strengthened her determination to ensure red squirrels remain part of our landscapes for years to come.
I do not intend to allow that to be the last time I ever see one of our squirrels while there is anything I can do to help them survive and thrive for the following generations to see.Red Squirrel Volunteer
Every survey completed, every fundraising milestone achieved, every sighting reported, every photograph shared, and every conversation held with local communities contributes to the recovery of red squirrels across our project area.
This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer across the Network. Your commitment, passion, and generosity are helping to ensure that future generations will still experience the excitement of spotting a red squirrel darting through the trees.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Cramlington & District Red Squirrel Group
If you’re not yet a part of your local group, perhaps this is your sign to get involved.
You don’t need to be a wildlife expert. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors, meeting like-minded people, photography, fundraising, community engagement, citizen science, or simply want to help protect a species you care about, there is a place for you within the Red Squirrel Recovery Network.
You can play a very important role in identifying where reds are and it's so rewarding to see them.Red Squirrel Volunteer
Every hour volunteered helps protect red squirrels and strengthens the communities working to conserve them. Together, volunteers are not just supporting conservation, but driving it.
This project is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.
Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Whether you have similar passions or traits to those you've read about today, or can perhaps bring something new to the table, there's a place in volunteering for you.
