Well, not quite yet; but we're hoping it's not too far off!
Onsite at Merlewood we are working closely with the Westmorland Red Squirrel Society, a fantastic organisation whose aim is to raise awareness and to help promote the protection and conservation of these beautiful creatures.
Red squirrels have been in serious decline over recent years partly due to the stronger vociferous non native gray squirrels driving them out and passing on the squirrel pox, which is fatal for reds.
The organisation is helping the gardeners at Merlewood create a suitable habitat for the reds, hoping to encourage them to thrive here. They prefer coniferous woodland and if we can control the grays and reduce their numbers significantly, the reds will be able to return.
There has already been evidence that the plan is working; sightings of reds in some of Merlewood's neighbouring woodland have recently been on the increase.
We hope to hear of sightings of reds at Merlewood in the not too distant future, so keep your eyes open and watch this space!
