WENSLEYDALE residents are being invited to join a campaign to save a rare colony of red squirrels, one of Britain's best liked wild animals but one which has been driven to extinction in most parts of England by invading American grey squirrels.

Dales residents invited to save red squirrel

A national campaign has been launched to save the few remaining red colonies, one of which exists at Widdale. Grants are available to land owners and farmers willing to take measures to save the animal.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and the Forestry Commission have organised an open afternoon on Wednesday 24 May for local people to find out about red squirrel conservation and management work.

Ian Court, the YDNPA's Wildlife Conservation Officer, said: "The event is primarily intended for local landowners and residents in the Hawes area to come along and find out more information from Forestry Commission and National Park staff about woodland management and grant aid for red squirrel conservation.

"There will also be demonstrations by a Forestry Commission ranger on grey squirrel control."

For more information please contact Matt Neale at the Dales Countryside Museum - on 01969 666120 or email matt.neale@yorkshiredales.org.uk - or Ian Court on 01756 751602 or email ian.court@yorkshiredales.org.uk

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