Red Squirrel Survival Trust
We have partnered with national conservation charity, The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, as part of Red Squirrel Awareness Week from 2 – 8 October 2023. Red squirrels are an endangered species and we have partnered together to raise awareness of them and encourage more into our gardens
According to the UK Squirrel Accord the population has fallen from a high of around 3.5m in the UK, to the current estimate of 287,000. In a bid to protect the biodiversity of Britain’s native woodlands we, along with The Red Squirrel Survival Trust, are highlighting the trees and plants that gardeners can grow in their outside space, to encourage and support red squirrels
HOW TO ENCOURAGE RED SQUIRRELS INTO YOUR GARDEN:
Autumn is a great season to spot red squirrels and sightings often happen in mixed or broadleaf woodlands as these make for brilliant habitats. Walnut, hazelnut and holly trees are great food sources for red squirrels. Sunflower seeds, bramble and raspberry plants provide these wonderful creatures with an abundance of nutrients
Alan Titchmarsh, an ambassador for the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, is encouraging gardeners to plant trees and shrubs which will help feed our native red squirrels
TREES & SHRUBS TO PLANT:
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Conifer seeds
- Holly berries
- Crab apples
- Wild and bird cherries
- Bullace
- Dogrose
- Guelder rose hips
Walnuts, hazelnuts, conifer seeds, holly berries and crab apples can all be purchased from your local Dobbies Garden Centres
If you would like to get involved in Red Squirrel Awareness Week, head along to our free Grow How session on Saturday 7 October at 10:30am, where advice will be shared on how everyone can create an inviting habitat for the red squirrel. For more information about how to take part, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres
To find out more about the conservation work Red Squirrel Survival Trust are doing to protect this endangered species, visit www.rsst.org.uk
