Slieve Gullion Credit Union Donate Food for Red Squirrels

Ring of Gullion Red Squirrels will be provided with extra food thanks to the generous donation of five bags of Red Squirrel feed to the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group. The donation was made from the Slieve Gullion Credit Union in Forkhill. The food will be used in a number the Red Squirrel Groups Feeders across the area.

The feeders enable controlled hygiene, which minimise the risk of spreading diseases, such as the deadly pox virus. This disease can blight the Red Squirrel species, potentially wiping a population out. Red Squirrels have faced a difficult time in recent years due to the competition from the non-native grey squirrel, this is due to the disease they carry.

The Ring of Gullion AONB project as part of its Management Action Plan have written a local Red Squirrel Action Plan and helped to establish the Red Squirrel group, in order to implement the plan. The group have a number of appropriate Northern Ireland Red Squirrel Forum (NIRSF) approved metal feeders across the Slieve Gullion.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “We would like to thank the Credit Union for their generosity and also the volunteers who manage the feeders and feeding areas. They are doing an amazing job giving up their time to help this endangered species in the Ring of Gullion. Well done to all involved!

“The metal feeders combat against attacks by bigger animals trying to get the food. Wooden feeders would be destroyed by these animals, and also help the spread of disease, if contaminated. If members of the public, especially children see the feeders, we would ask that they do not tamper with them. The peanuts may look very tasty, but they are not for human consumption.”

Members of the public can help by reporting Ring of Gullion website www.ringofgullion.org any time, they see Red or Grey Squirrels or Pine Martens. Reported sightings will enable the group to provide figures to encourage more action to take place. The Red Squirrel Group therefore is asking for help from local residents to put out extra food in the area for the Red Squirrels. They can also report any sightings of squirrels to info@ringofgullion.org.

The reported sightings, also provide clear evidence for the provision of extra funding for feeders and food. If members of the public or local businesses would like to donate to the group, please contact the Ring of Gullion Office for more information.

Visit the Ring of Gullion website for more information on the Red Squirrel Group or call into the office in Crossmaglen Community Centre, O'Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA Tel: (028)