On the Look Out for Red Squirrels in Slieve Gullion

Red Squirrel Week is fast approaching and Newry Mourne and Down District Council have joined forces with the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group to host a special Red Squirrel Day.

Come along to Slieve Gullion Forest Park on Saturday 14 October and take part in a full day of activities designed to help people understand more about the red squirrel’s habitat and behaviour and celebrate autumn in the Park.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “This event will not only highlight Red Squirrel Week but it will be a fun afternoon for all the family, learning about why red squirrels are in danger from factors such as competition from greys, disease and loss of woodland”.

“We will be encouraging more people to report their sightings of red and grey squirrels to enable the Cooley Red Squirrel Group to pinpoint where action is needed. This can include setting up new feeding stations for red squirrels or setting traps for grey squirrels. We are always looking for more volunteers to help”.

Kicking the day off will be a walk and talk by Dr David Tosh and members of the Cooley Red Squirrel Group who will outline the work they are carrying out in Slieve Gullion. This will include a visit to the squirrel feeders and pine marten nest box. The walk is aimed at members of the public to are interested in getting involved in the work of the Red Squirrel Group.

Later in the day, there will be a number of guided walks along the Red Squirrel trail. The trail takes the participants on a journey of the red squirrels natural habitat.  Booking is essential and can be done online at www.ringofgullion.org or by calling into Crossmaglen Community Centre, 028 3082 8590.