Our friends at Cramlington & District Red Squirrel Group (CADRS) have been in touch to let us know that this week is Red Squirrel Awareness Week.

Many people go about their daily business  unaware that Cramlington holds a number of red squirrel strongholds. This year has been a particularly good breeding year for red squirrels and there have been reports of two lots of youngsters in local woodlands.

Cramlington is fortunate to have a group dedicated to helping the endangered creatures. CADRS consists of nearly 40 volunteers who carry out red squirrel conservation work in the town and neighbouring Blyth and Seaton Valley areas.

They have received financial support from Cramlington Town Council and have been working on a number of new projects this year.

These include the installation of two rope bridges over the B1362 at East Cramlington which help the squirrels safely cross the road. Click HERE to see a very cute video of a squirrel scampering across one of the rope bridges!

CADRS have also been busy with the management of the viewing screen (pictured below) and general area at East Cramlington Nature Reserve.

The group started this year with a plan to engage with the younger generation, however this has proven difficult with the onset of COVID19. However they are determined to forge links with local youngsters so please contact your child’s school to see if they are participating.

Any funding to cover the cost of general hardware such as timber for feeders, monitoring equipment, feed etc is gratefully received and with the support of individuals, businesses and local councils the group is continuing to thrive.

Red Squirrels are an endangered species and have been completely pushed out of their native habitats in the southern half of the British mainland. Numbers now stand at approximately 140,000 across the whole of the UK, down from an all-time high of 3.5 million.

To find out more access CADRS Facebook page HERE

Photo of Red Squirrel: Leon Savage