Service StatusIsle of Wight Squirrels
The Home of Red Squirrels and Great Holidays!
Red Squirrels are the only squirrel native to the British Isles. They are fast disappearing from the UK mainland as a result of the introduced American Grey Squirrel.
The Isle of Wight is not just the perfect choice for a holiday it is also provides a habitat for around 3000 rare Red Squirrels who live mainly in broadleaved woodland – typically dominated by Greys on the mainland.
The Isle of Wight is a nationally important stronghold for Red Squirrels. The stretch of water (which the Red Funnel ferry crosses) known as the Solent prevents Greys getting to the Island, but very occasionally one makes it, so vigilance is crucial. There are contingency plans for dealing with Greys who ignore the 'keep out' signs! Not only do Grey Squirrels outcompete Reds, they carry the deadly squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to the Reds.
PLEASE NOTE: It is illegal to bring a Grey Squirrel into Red Squirrel territory. The penalty is 2 years imprisonment or a £5,000 fine. It is also illegal to release a Grey anywhere, once it is caught.
Red Squirrel Week 3-11 October
Running from 3-11 October 2009 the week aims to promote awareness of the plight of this rare indigenous species.
In 2008 television presenter and author, Chris Packham worked with Red Funnel, The Red Squirrel Trust and the Wight Squirrel Project in order to help promote and protect Red Squirrels and their habitat on the Isle of Wight.
In December 2008 Chris Packham was joined by James Cooper, Chairmanr, Red Funnel and a giant Red Squirrel at the Red Funnel Ferry terminal in Southampton to present a cheque for £2,500 to Helen Butler from The Red Squirrel Trust, and Wight Squirrel Project.
The sum is a combination of donations from the public and Red Funnel, collected between Red Squirrel Week in October (4th – 12th) and December 2008. Red Funnel have been campaigning hard to raise awareness of the rare Red Squirrel and consequently would like to thank all customers who kindly donated online, through food and drink sales and to collections onboard the ferries.
Chris Packham, who has dedicated much of his life to filming, photographing and working to conserve wildlife in the UK, was delighted to be collaborating with Red Funnel in helping to protect and promote Red Squirrels and their habitats.
Gallery
Links
Red Squirrel Leaflet
Red Funnel have produced a leaflet in conjunction with the Red Squirrel Trust and Wight Squirrel Project to help educate the public about Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight.
Download Leaflet