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14/09/2004
Fast disappearing red squirrel on show at Fermanagh reserve
The red squirrel, an increasingly rare sight in Northern Ireland's countryside due to the success of its North American grey rival, will be on show for local wildlife enthusiasts in Co Fermanagh this week.
To mark Red Squirrel Week, which runs from September 11-17, RSPB Northern Ireland is inviting people to visit their reserve at Castlecaldwell in Lower Lough Erne to catch a glimpse of this once familiar creature.
The future of the native red squirrel is uncertain as the loss of habitat and competition with grey squirrels have contributed to an alarming retreat.
It is estimated that the total number of red squirrels in the UK is around 160,000 - far behind their North American grey counterpart which outnumbers it by a staggering ratio of 18 to 1.
RSPB spokesperson Stephanie Sim said that while the decline of the red squirrel was widely known, most people were unclear where to go to get a definite sighting.
"The reserve at Castlecaldwell is a great place to see these wonderful creatures at work, gathering and storing seeds for the long, cold winter," she said.
The forest is also home to other interesting mammals and rare plants, including Pine Martins, fungi and lichens.
"At this time of the year, the forest is a storehouse of seeds, nuts and delicious edible plants and insects, for those who like that sort of thing. So there's plenty of activity taking place," she said.
The RSPB's interest is not soley in birds and, with the help of the Forest Service, it manages the Castlecaldwell forest for the benefit of all wildlife.
(mmcg/gmcg)
To mark Red Squirrel Week, which runs from September 11-17, RSPB Northern Ireland is inviting people to visit their reserve at Castlecaldwell in Lower Lough Erne to catch a glimpse of this once familiar creature.
The future of the native red squirrel is uncertain as the loss of habitat and competition with grey squirrels have contributed to an alarming retreat.
It is estimated that the total number of red squirrels in the UK is around 160,000 - far behind their North American grey counterpart which outnumbers it by a staggering ratio of 18 to 1.
RSPB spokesperson Stephanie Sim said that while the decline of the red squirrel was widely known, most people were unclear where to go to get a definite sighting.
"The reserve at Castlecaldwell is a great place to see these wonderful creatures at work, gathering and storing seeds for the long, cold winter," she said.
The forest is also home to other interesting mammals and rare plants, including Pine Martins, fungi and lichens.
"At this time of the year, the forest is a storehouse of seeds, nuts and delicious edible plants and insects, for those who like that sort of thing. So there's plenty of activity taking place," she said.
The RSPB's interest is not soley in birds and, with the help of the Forest Service, it manages the Castlecaldwell forest for the benefit of all wildlife.
(mmcg/gmcg)
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04 April 2011
Red Squirrel Faces New Threat
Northern Ireland's already dwindling red squirrel population was dealt another blow with the recent discovery of a fatal squirrel disease. The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group. This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
Red Squirrel Faces New Threat
Northern Ireland's already dwindling red squirrel population was dealt another blow with the recent discovery of a fatal squirrel disease. The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group. This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
28 July 2017
Belfast Zoo 'Celebrating Conservation Success'
Belfast Zoo is "celebrating another conservation success" with the birth of five red squirrel kittens. The red squirrel, believed to have been native across Ireland for more than 10,000 years, is now said to be in "serious trouble" in Northern Ireland.
Belfast Zoo 'Celebrating Conservation Success'
Belfast Zoo is "celebrating another conservation success" with the birth of five red squirrel kittens. The red squirrel, believed to have been native across Ireland for more than 10,000 years, is now said to be in "serious trouble" in Northern Ireland.
07 June 2018
Two Red Squirrels Released At Silent Valley Mountain Park
Two female red squirrels have been released at Silent Valley Mountain Park, Belfast Zoo has confirmed. The site was selected as part of a nation-wide scheme to enhance the population of the threatened species. Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Belfast Zoo first became home to red squirrels in 2012 when three animals arrived from the Glens of Antrim.
Two Red Squirrels Released At Silent Valley Mountain Park
Two female red squirrels have been released at Silent Valley Mountain Park, Belfast Zoo has confirmed. The site was selected as part of a nation-wide scheme to enhance the population of the threatened species. Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "Belfast Zoo first became home to red squirrels in 2012 when three animals arrived from the Glens of Antrim.
15 June 2006
Nature awareness campaign launched
The Environment and Heritage Service has today launched a new campaign to help people appreciate nature. The 'It's in our nature' campaign results from research showing that most people in Northern Ireland have never actually seen a red squirrel, and over half of the population do not know when the brent geese return to our local shores each year.
Nature awareness campaign launched
The Environment and Heritage Service has today launched a new campaign to help people appreciate nature. The 'It's in our nature' campaign results from research showing that most people in Northern Ireland have never actually seen a red squirrel, and over half of the population do not know when the brent geese return to our local shores each year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
