Efforts to protect Cumbria’s iconic red squirrels are gathering pace thanks to a ground-breaking initiative from the Cumberland Building Society.
Under its Mortgages for Squirrels scheme, the Cumberland has been donating £10 to Cumbria Wildlife Trust for every new house purchase mortgage completed during the last 12 months.
The money is funding squirrel conservation work including the appointment of a red squirrel ranger. Joshua Adams is working to monitor and protect endangered reds in their Lakeland heartland between Grasmere and Grizedale.
He said: “The biggest threat to the reds is squirrel pox, spread by grey squirrels. If the greys are sharing feed with reds, that’s when they pass it on.
“The reds have no way of dealing with it, so the mortality rate is high. Instead of putting up feeders, we spread the bait on the ground or cache it in trees. If you’re going to feed red squirrels, don’t use feeders.”
Joshua, who grew up in Elterwater, has previously worked as a waterski and kayaking instructor, powerboat salesman and tree surgeon.
He began volunteering as a squirrel warden with Westmorland Red Squirrels during COVID. The Cumberland’s scheme means he is now employed full time by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Westmorland Red Squirrels.
He said: “I feel privileged having this job, it gives you a positive outlook. I still get a thrill every time I see a red.”
There are promising signs that conservation work is paying off.
Joshua said: “Generally, the reds in our area are doing well. I have seen a lot more red squirrels this year than last.
“This conservation work relies on good information. We need to know where the reds are living and visiting.
“I don’t believe there would be any red squirrels left in Cumbria without the fantastic work done by volunteers and funding initiatives, such as this one, with the Cumberland Building Society.”
His next challenge is to reduce the number of squirrels hit by cars when they stray onto the road.
Joshua said: “We’re discussing putting in bridges – two ropes, seven or eight metres above the tarmac, enabling the squirrels to cross safely – along with ‘slow, red squirrel’ road signs.”
Find out more red squirrel conservation in Cumbria at https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/about/what-we-do/living-landscapes/wildlife-conservation-projects/red-squirrels-project
