A lifeline for Cumbrian red squirrels amid ‘critical threat’

A Lifeline for Cumbrian Red Squirrels Amid 'Critical Threat'

Red squirrels, a beloved and threatened species in the Lake District, have been given a lifeline. The Keswick Red Squirrel Group (KRSG) has secured £9,475 from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme to aid conservation efforts.

The funding will be used to purchase thermal imaging devices and super-size squirrel feeders, crucial tools for protecting the endangered population. Cumbria is one of the last counties in England where red squirrels still survive in the wild, playing a vital role in the region's natural heritage.

As part of the Lake District's ecosystem, red squirrels are an important indicator of healthy woodland environments, and their preservation is essential. They have also been immortalized in Beatrix Potter's Squirrel Nutkin, solidifying their place in the region's cultural heritage.

They're more than just charming woodland residents, they're part of the Lake District's natural heritage.

The KRSG's efforts will focus on utilizing the new equipment to make a significant difference in their daily conservation work, ensuring the long-term survival of red squirrels in Cumbria.

Author's summary: Conservation efforts for Cumbrian red squirrels receive a boost.

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Times & Star Times & Star — 2025-10-12