Super Squirrel Day at National Trust Formby

The National Trust’s Half Term Red Squirrel Day on Wednesday 13th February was a huge success with good weather, lively squirrels and lots of special activities run by staff and volunteers.

Sally Orritt from the National Trust with her team of dedicated volunteers was helped by Rachel Miller from the Lancashire and Merseyside Wildlife Trust. Rachel led groups around the Squirrel Walk in the morning and her colleague Fiona Whitfield helped with Squirrel craft activities. Cutting out Squirrel ears to wear was very popular with the youngsters taking part. There were quiz sheets on clipboards to take round on the Squirrel Walk. At the Trust’s Information trailer, there was more detail on the Formby Squirrel colony, with staff and volunteers to tell how the population had grown again after the disastrous Squirrel Pox outbreak around 2008.

Lynda Cunliffe from Freshfield

Sally said: "It’s great working with LWT because they are doing so much work to protect the red squirrels across Sefton and beyond."

Fantastic to have National Trust Support as Rachel Miller explained: "The Wildlife Trust co-ordinates red squirrel conservation throughout north Merseyside and west Lancashire, by carrying out monitoring, recording sightings and controlling grey squirrels. We are now focusing on expanding the red squirrel population, especially in Southport and Crosby, so everyone can enjoy seeing these amazing animals. It is fantastic to have the support of National Trust in raising awareness around red squirrel conservation."

Later in the morning there was a very special guest, ‘Super Squirrel’ who greeted visitors as they arrived on site and then met the children around the walk and at the craft gazebo and information trailer.

The Trust has free maps of the site and special quiz sheets and walks for visitors. There is more information on the website at www.nationatrust.org.uk/