Last weekend we made the trip up to North Yorkshire for a short break and while we were there I took the opportunity to visit a private woodland where Red squirrels thrive. Although food is put out for them these squirrels are wild and are not enclosed in any way. My guide for the day was a local wildlife photographer and conservationist who together with a few others is trying to provide isolated pine woodland in the upper valleys in an effort to spread the small populations of squirrels around so that if the pox carried by the grey squirrels does get into the area it doesn't destroy the whole population in one go. Working with local landowners and residents they have identified several isolated pine woodlands suitable for the red squirrels and they are working on a plan of action to prevent the spread of the grey squirrels up the valleys.
On the day a bitter easterly wind and snow flurries threatened to put off the reds from showing but after waiting for an hour or so two squirrels put in an appearance and despite the bad light I was able to get some reasonable shots. These really are beautiful animals who would probably already by extinct in this country if it wasn't for the efforts of a few people.
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