Conservation work to protect red squirrels is to receive continued support from John Lewis Partnership. The retailer has agreed to sponsor the red squirrel adoption scheme run by Dorset Wildlife Trust to help fund vital habitat work on Brownsea Island, where the rare native mammals survive.
The islands of Poole Harbour shelter the last remaining red squirrels in Dorset and this population is one of only two in southern England, the other being on the Isle of Wight. Dorset Wildlife Trust manages just under half of the National Trust owned island, where red squirrels have managed to persist thanks to the absence of the North American grey squirrels. DWT devised their adoption scheme so that nature lovers could directly help to fund the important management of the woodland habitat for the benefit of red squirrels and it has proved a popular gift for loved ones, especially at Christmas.
The John Lewis Partnership, which leases Brownsea Castle for use as a holiday hotel for Partners (staff), has agreed to sponsor the adoption scheme for the fourth year running, meaning that all the money from adoptions can go straight to helping these rare animals.
Abigail Gibbs, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Brownsea Island reserve warden, said: “The wet summer this year has meant that some trees, such as the sweet chestnut, have had a poor fruiting year, so it’s as important as ever that we manage the woodlands to provide enough food for red squirrels throughout the year.”
Duncan Fisher, Manager of Brownsea Castle, said: “We are pleased to once again support a very worthwhile cause and help to conserve red squirrels and their natural habitat. I wish the Dorset Wildlife Trust continued success with their project.”
You can adopt a Brownsea red squirrel for £18 for a year, and you will receive an adoption certificate and photo, badge, fact sheet, cuddly red squirrel and a Beatrix Potter Squirrel Nutkin book or The Red Squirrel by Jessica Holm. For more information or to adopt a red squirrel, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/adoptions or ring 01305 264620.
