Ponteland Red Squirrels

Safeguarding Ponteland's Red Squirrels for Future Generations

Our umbrella group, Northern Red Squirrels, is attempting to produce an overall picture of where red squirrels can be found. Please help by reporting your sightings. Simply click on the above icon and add your details to our squirrel sightings form.

View Ponteland Survey 2011 in a larger map

Why We Exist

Over recent years the population of the native red squirrel in the UK has declined sharply. The main threat is the invasion of the grey squirrel. Introduced from America in the 19th Century, the grey, a much larger species, has spread across the UK at an increasingly alarming rate. Competing for food and habitat it also carries the deadly Squirrel Pox virus, which is only harmful to the red.

Northumberland is now one of the few counties in England where red squirrels still exist. Recently, 16 key sites have been identified in the North of England (such as Kielder Forest) where it is felt that the red squirrel has the best chance for survival. This is great news for red squirrels, although it is unfortunate that all efforts and funding will be restricted solely to those areas.

Over recent years the red squirrel colonies in the Ponteland and Darras Hall area have declined sharply. This is due to several factors: destruction of habitat, road kill as well as the the influx of grey squirrels into the area.

PONTELAND RED SQUIRRELS is a local volunteer group set up to help raise awareness and, maintain and increase the population of red squirrels in the Ponteland and Darras Hall area.

To be successful, we need the help and cooperation of the people from the area. OTHERWISE, PONTELAND’S RED SQUIRRELS COULD DISAPPEAR. Click here to see how you can help.

Finally, we are a totally voluntary organisation and as such, do not qualify for any form of funding. If you would like to assist in our cause by making a donation, please click here to contact us for further information.

Merchandise

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Latest News :

Squirrel Survey Results
(Posted 31 January 2012)

The results of the November survey have been added to a Google Map which has been included on the right hand side of this page. As can be seen, there were relativley few sightings and those that were reported were mostly towards the south of Darras. Some were also outside the survey period but have been included to give a more complete picture. There was only one report of a poxed squirrel (the blue flag) and this was close to the golf course. There were no reports of grey squirrels, however, it should not be assumed that there are none. It is still crucial that greys are removed if reds are to be regain their numbers in our area, hence if you do see one, please report using the hotline number above or the sightings form on this site. Also, please continue to report sightings of reds, particularly in areas where none were reported in the survey.

Squirrel Survey
(Posted 17 November 2011)

Last years cold winter and the recent outbreak of squirrel pox have almost certainly had an effect on Ponteland's red population. In order to get some idea as to the numbers in Ponteland and its surrounding area, we would like you to report all sightings over a two week period starting on 20 November. For each sighting, we would like you to tell us the number, the location and the condition (healthy or unhealthy). If possible, please submit repeat sightings during the period. You can use the sightings form on this site (click here), email the details to Sally at sally@pontelandredsquirrels.co.uk or ring the hotline number above.

We would also like you to continue to report all grey sightings, however, for these, please use the hotline number above whenever possible.

Newsletter Issue 13 Published
(Posted 22 September 2011)

The latest Newsletter is now available to view on-line, click here to access. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view which is now present on most computers. If you don't have this program, you can visit the Northern Red Squirrels site which has a link to the download facility.

Waitrose Presents Cheque for £496 to PRS
(24 May 2011)

Waitrose has very kindly donated a cheque for £496 to Ponteland Red Squirrels from its excellent Community Matters initiative. PRS would like to express their thanks to Waitrose for this second very generous donation which will be used to further its efforts in maintaining a healthy red squirrel population in Ponteland and its surrounding areas. This is particularly important this year as the squirrel pox virus and the hard winter appear to have reduced our red squirrel population. PRS would also like to thank all those Waitrose customers who voted for PRS with their green counters. It’s good to know that our residents and local businesses support our efforts to make Ponteland a safe haven for red squirrels

Threat to Ponteland's Reds Increases in 2010
(13 February 2011)

GREY squirrel sightings have reached record levels in Ponteland, but the fight goes on to save the native reds.
The number of grey sightings around Ponteland and Darras Hall has trebled in the past year, with more than 40 spotted in 2010 compared with an average of between 8 and 14 in previous years
The situation was the subject of a recent article in the Morpeth Herald; click here to display.

Seventh NRS Newsletter Published
(13 February 2011)

The seventh Northern Red Squirrels Newsletter has now been published. Click here to display a copy (please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat reader to enable you to do this. The Newsletter page facilitates dowloading of this free software if you do not already have installed on your computer).

Red Squirrel Calendars
(8 January 2011)

We still have a number of Ponteland Red Squirrels A4 sized 2011 calendars available at the reduced price of £1.00 with free delivery if you live locally, otherwise, postage and packaging is £1:00. There is a different squirrel picture for each month, click here to see an illustration of the front cover and December. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to display this illustration. Details on how to download if it is not already on your computer are given on the NRS Website.
If you would like to purchase one or more, please contact Sally at pontelandredsquirrels@yahoo.co.uk.

Newsletter Issue 12 Published
(Posted 22 December 2010)

The latest Newsletter is now available to view on-line, click here to access. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view which is now present on most computers. If you don't have this program, you can visit the Northern Red Squirrels site which has a link to the download facility.

Red Squirrels North England
(14 November 2010)
A new initiative has been launched which is the biggest push yet to ensure red squirrels survive in the North of England. Red Squirrels North England (RSNE) will be a five-year project backed by a total of more than £3m in funding. Work on preparing the new strategy and approach has been going on for the last six months by a partnership of bodies including Natural England, the Forestry Commission, The Wildlife Trusts and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, a charity set up two years ago and whose patron is Prince Charles. More detail can be found in an article in the Journal; click here to view.

Red Squirrel Calendars Available
(31 October 2010)

Thanks to the very generous sponsorship of the Automotive Group, a Ponteland Red Squirrels A4 sized 2011 calendar can now be purchased. There is a different squirrel picture for each month, click here to see an illustration of the front cover and December. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to display this illustration. Details on how to download if it is not already on your computer are given on the NRS Website.
The calendars are priced at £2:50 with with free delivery if you live locally, otherwise, postage and packaging is £1:00. They will make an ideal Christmas present for friends and family and at the same time, you will be helping to fund the work aimed at preserving red squirrels in our area. If you would like to purchase one or more, please contact Sally at pontelandredsquirrels@yahoo.co.uk.

Grey Squirrels Are Still Being Seen in Ponteland and Darras
(Posted 3 October 2010)

Sightings of grey squirrels are still being reported in the Ponteland and Darras Hall area. Remember that if you do see one, please report as quickly as possible, preferably by ringing the Hotline number above. If this isn't possible, you can use the sightings form on the site.

Squirrel Fest 2010
(31 August 2010)

The annual 'Squirrel Fest' is a day of family fun celebrating the red squirrel. This year, it will be held on Sunday 26th September at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre on the shores of Lake Windermere. More details can be found by clicking on this link.

Red Squirrel Sightings Map for 2010
(27 July 2010)

For those sightings that were reported before April, the colour of the flag has been changed to purple. We would be very please to receive updates for these locations, either to let us know that your squirrels are still around or that they have not been seen for some time. We would also welcome sightings for new locations.

Influx of Grey Squirrels into Ponteland and Darras
(Posted 6 June 2010)

At this time of year, there is a tendency for male squirrels to scout for new areas and these are often followed by juveniles. Hence, the fact that there have been several recent sightings in Ponteland and Darras Hall is not surprising. The good news is that thanks to the vigilance and support of local residents, six grey squirrels have been caught in just one week.

Ponteland Red Squirrels has also been active in helping to reduce the numbers of grey squirrels in neighbouring areas. Since January, 83 have been caught in Wylam and with the help of a small grant from the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, more than 250 have been removed from the area covering Prudhoe to Riding Mill. This reduces the numbers coming into the Ponteland area but as has been highlighted above, some still get through.

You Tube Video of Local Squirrel
(Posted 26 April 2010)

One of our supporters has added a video of a red squirrel in his garden in Willow Way to You Tube. A link is available on the Gallery 3 page which can be found via the Picture Gallery link above. You can also see it by clicking here.

Newsletter Issue 11 Published
(Posted 9 April 2010)

The latest Newsletter is now available to view on-line. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view which is now present on most computers. If you don't have this program, you can visit the Northern Red Squirrels site which has a link to the download facility. Click here to access

Instructions for Making a Squirrel Feeder and a Nestbox
(13 March 2010)

A number of people have asked about making feeders and nestboxes. Instructions on how to do so have been added to the About Red Squirrels page.

Waitrose Presents Cheque for £500 to PRS
(1 March 2010)

Waitrose has very kindly donated a cheque for £500 to Ponteland Red Squirrels from its excellent Community Matters initiative. This was recently presented by Rob Brewis, the manager of the Ponteland store, to Sally, Penny and Margaret of PRS. PRS would like to express their thanks to Waitrose for this very generous donation which will be used to further its efforts in maintaining a healthy red squirrel population in Ponteland and its surrounding areas. PRS would also like to thank all those Waitrose customers who voted for PRS with their green counters. It’s good to know that our residents and local businesses support our efforts to make Ponteland a safe haven for red squirrels.

Sixth NRS Newsletter Published
(1 March 2010)

The sixth Northern Red Squirrels Newsletter has now been published. Click here to display a copy (please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat reader to enable you to do this. The Newsletter page facilitates dowloading of this free software if you do not already have installed on your computer).

New Red Squirrel Sightings Map for 2010
(15 February 2010)

Since our Sightings map was introduced in 2008, it has become apparent that red squirrels are still to be seen in many parts of Ponteland and its surrounding areas. However, the 2008/9 map contains many sightings which are now historical. Hence, for 2010, our aim is to create a more accurate and up to date map of our squirrel population and display it on the home page. To achieve this, we will need your help - if you see a red squirrel, please report it via the Sightings Form. We would appreciate it if you could then provide periodic updates (every 2 to 3 months), to confirm that your squirrel is still visiting, to inform us that the number of squirrels visiting has changed or to let us know that you haven't seen a squirrel for some time.

Red Squirrel Calendars Sale
(12 January 2010)

The Ponteland Red Squirrel calendars have sold very well. There are still a few available and as we are now well into the new year, they are being offered at £2.50 (including P & P). If you would like one, please contact Sally at pontelandredsquirrels@yahoo.co.uk.

Red Squirrel Calendars Available
(13 December 2009)

Ponteland Red Squirrels have produced an A3 calendar with a different picture of our local squirrels for each month. They are priced at £4:50 including postage. If you would like one, please contact Sally at pontelandredsquirrels@yahoo.co.uk.

Waitrose Community Matters Initiative Donates £500 to PRS
(13 December 2009)

Ponteland Red Squirrels would like to express their thanks to Waitrose for their very generous donation. This will be used to further our efforts in maintaining a healthy red squirrel population in Ponteland and its surrounding areas. PRS would also like to thank all those Waitrose customers who voted for PRS with their green counters.

Christmas Cards (Sold Out)
(19 October 2009)

Christmas cards and tags/labels are available to buy. These are not on the Merchandise page which is currently being revised, however, illustrations of the cards can be seen by clicking on the following links; card 1, card 2.
The cards are 11.7cm x 18.2cm and cost £4.50 for 10. The labels are a slightly different design but contain the same squirrel pictures and cost £1.50 for 10. Please contact Sally at info@northernredsquirrels.org.uk if you wish to purchase.

Fifth NRS Newsletter Published
(15 October 2009)

The fifth NRS Newsletter, which includes an article on the recent Squirrel Fest, the grant obtained by Morpeth Red Squirrels, RSST and other news from the member groups, has now been published. Click here to display (please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat reader to enable you to do this).

New SOS Sightings Maps
(4 October 2009)

SOS have recently produced a set of Distribution Maps for sightings of both red and grey squirrels in Cumbria and Northumberland during June/July/August 2009. Please note that in the maps (called Summer Sightings Maps) the green dots show the grey squirrel sightings.

Further Grey Squirrel Sightings, in Eastern Way
(Posted 31 August 2009)

A grey squirrel has recently been seen in Eastern Way, fairly close to Middle Drive. A second sighting (possibly the same squirrel) was subsequently seen further up the hill towards Hawthorn Way. Please remain vigilant and call the hotline number above if you see a grey squirrel in our area.

Grey Squirrel Sighting in Callerton Court
(Posted 24 August 2009)

A grey squirrel has recently been seen in Callerton Court. If you do see a grey anywhere in Ponteland, please let us know immediately by ringing the hotline number above.
Also, as many of the sightings of red squirrels on our location map are from 2008, could you please report your sightings of red squirrels including comments as to the number seen and whether or not they looked healthy.

Red Squirrel Survival Trust Official Launch
(Posted 5 April 2009)

Prince Charles officially launched the Red Squirrel Survival Trust on 3 April during a trip to Levens Hall near Kendal. This is detailed in the Hexham Courant. The Daily Telegraph also includes an article on the Prince's reasons for supporting the work of the RSST.

Newsletter Issue 10 Published
(Posted 10 March 2009)

The latest Newsletter is now available to view on-line. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view which is now present on most computers. If you don't have this program, you can visit the Northern Red Squirrels site which has a link to the download facility. Click here to access.

Ponteland Red Squirrel Meeting
(Posted 6 March 2009)

The campaign to keep red squirrels in Ponteland has been successful. However, the number of people actively involved is very small and to maintain the momentum, more volunteers are needed. A meeting will be held on Tuesday 21st April 2009 at 7:00pm in the United Reformed Church on Broadway for anyone who would like to help. More details will be posted on the site shortly.

Red Squirrel Survival Trust
(Posted 4 March 2009)

The Red Squirrel Survival Trust is a national charity that has recently been established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in the UK. If you wish to know more about their aims and work, click here.

Sightings Map
(Posted 4 March 2009)

Thanks to a number of residents in Ponteland and Darras Hall, the map (click to view) now includes a number of recent sightings. In order to keep the map up to date, we would welcome repeat sightings. This will also enable us to check whether or not the squirrel population in the area is remaining stable.

Relaunch of Northern Red Squirrels Website
(Posted 4 March 2009)

The Northern Red Squirrels website has been redeveloped with a new name, www.northernredsquirrels.org.uk.

Northern Red Squirrels Newsletter Issue 3 Published
(Posted 4 March 2009)

This Newsletter is now available on-line. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to read this document.

Northern Red Squirrels Newsletter Issue 2 Published
(Posted 10 November 2008)

This Newsletter is now available on-line. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat to read this document.

Change to Hotline Number
(Posted 22 October2008)

Please note that because of network coverage problems, we have changed our hotline number to 07732 644694.

Sightings Report Form Added to Site
(Posted 18 October2008)

A form has been added to the site to enable you to easily report your sightings of red squirrels. This will enable us to build a map of sightings in Ponteland and its surrounding areas and will contribute to the more extensive Save our Squirrels map.

Newsletter Issue 9 Published
(Posted 23 September2008)

The latest Newsletter is now available to view on-line.

Northern News, Issue 1
(Posted 30 July 2008)

Our 'umbrella' organisation, Northern Red Squirrels, has issued its first newsletter. This contains information from various groups within the northern region. Click here to display (you will need Adobe Acrobat to display but if you do not have this on your computer already, it mcan be downloaded from the internet for free; visit http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/ and click on the free download icon.

For older news, you can visit the Archive page