With approximately 36,000 native red squirrels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland fighting for space, food and nesting sites against up to two million plus American greys, the work of the red squirrel conservation volunteers in these areas, who work tirelessly to protect them, is vitally important.
Recognising the work of the 1000+ volunteers spread across 100+ groups is the objective of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust’s David Stapleford Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteer groups are asked to nominate an individual working with them who has shown commitment to his or her work over many years.
Since the greys were introduced from America as a novelty species in large parks and gardens in the mid-1800’s, red squirrel numbers have plummeted. Some greys carry a pox that is harmless to them but fatal to our native reds. The greys are also larger and better food foragers. The two species cannot coexist.
“Volunteers continue to be the key factor in arresting red squirrel decline. They protect the remaining colonies, and their work helps increase numbers,” says Mark Henderson, volunteer advocate of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. “They are absolutely vital to ensuring the survival of this beautiful native species.”
For further information and to download the nomination form visit RSST Volunteer of the Year 2023
