Reclaiming Reds aims to kickstart the long-term process of bringing back red squirrels to the Knowsley Estate and surrounding areas.
Red squirrels used to be abundant in the area, and many residents have fond memories of seeing them regularly. However, the last sighting of red squirrels on the Knowsley Estate was 2016, and no subsequent regular sightings suggests they are locally extinct. Since 2020, red squirrels have been classified as Endangered in Great Britain due to their drastically falling numbers. Unless we take immediate conservation action, red squirrels in England will be a thing of the past.
We cannot sit back and let our native squirrel disappear. Reclaiming Reds has been set up to ensure we do all we can to bring them back.
Reclaiming Reds is a two-strand project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund focusing on community engagement and stopping the spread of grey squirrels, the biggest threat to red squirrels. Whilst grey squirrels flourish, it is impossible for red squirrels to return.
We want to encourage everyone to get involved in Reclaiming Reds wherever they can. Please visit our “Get involved” section to see how you can help and keep checking the “What’s on” section for upcoming events.
Thank you for taking an interest in Reclaiming Reds, together we can make Knowsley a place where red squirrels thrive.
