En route
to Kielder Dam you might see warning signs for drivers to be aware
of squirrels on the road - and it's for good reason.
Kielder Forest is one of the last real bastions in
the whole of England for the red squirrel population. This 'Red Squirrel
Country' as it's known locally is deemed such an important area for
the preservation and protection of red squirrels that
funding has been provided by a variety of conservation agencies, including
the Northumberland National Park Authority,
in order to set up a 'buffer zone' against possible attack/infection
from grey squirrels. The project is aimed at monitoring
and controlling the greys living in the area and prevent the passing
on of a virus ('Squirrel Pox') which they carry.
Whilst harmless to the greys themselves, it can be deadly to red squirrels.
Care and concern for the red squirrels is an
important issue in the minds of many local people. In 2005, first prize
in the Northumberland Wildlife Trust Conservation
Awards went to local, Northumberland National Park residents Don and
Sylvia Clegg for their efforts in working to conserve
the red squirrels in Kielder Forest. Their garden, visited regularly
by the reds, receives visitors from all over the world
- they even run red squrrel coffee mornings raising funds for charity.
Other places of interest in/close to the Northumberland National Park:
Rothbury - Cheviot Hills - Wark & Bellingham
Self
catering holiday cottages Northumberland National Park
Northumberland National Park general
information |
