A strong red squirrel population has been identified in the South Tyrone region and there is significant local interest in trying to protect and conserve them for future generations. The NISF is holding a public meeting to help form a local red squirrel conservation group at 7pm on Thursday 5 September 2013 at The Pavilion, The Round Lake in Fivemiletown. Red squirrel volunteers carry out a range of tasks such as squirrel counting, feeding, grey control, education and fund raising.
Our native red squirrels are under serious threat of extinction from this island. The invasion of American grey squirrels which started with only 12 animals released in County Longford just over 100 years ago has reached a critical point. The greys ability to use the best food resources and spread disease has restricted our red squirrels to marginal habitats and commercial forestry plantations.
Supporting the rallying call for volunteers, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “It is impossible to put a price on the work of our red squirrel volunteers. Their dedication to saving this charismatic little creature is amazing. Without their effort the red squirrel would be lost from many areas of Northern Ireland. But we need many more volunteers.
“We have a strong red squirrel population in South Tyrone. Let’s build on that and support the local fight back to help our reds. I support the Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum appeal for volunteers to meet with the Forum, chaired by my Department, to coordinate work as best as possible in South Tyrone. We will have representatives from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Forest Service, the local Council plus some members of the seven other squirrel groups at the meeting.”
Everyone is welcome and there are jobs to suit all ages and abilities. Email Squirrels@doeni.gov.uk for additional information.
