Today, Save Our Reds enters an important new chapter.
What began as a grassroots campaign has now grown into a UK-wide movement supported by more than 80,000 people, helping bring renewed national attention to the long-term decline of Britain’s native red squirrels.
Recent coverage across BBC News, Sky News and the wider national and regional media has helped shine a spotlight on the crisis facing our reds and the urgent need for a coordinated national response.
Tomorrow also marks the very first Save Our Reds Day alongside Endangered Species Day.
Over recent years we’ve heard a great deal about decline, including from Natural England itself.
Now it’s time to act.
Alongside our interactive red squirrel decline map, Save Our Reds CIC has now produced a new Conservation Action Framework and measurable Five-Point Emergency Action Plan focused on:
- habitat protection
- biodiversity accountability
- funded wildlife rangers
- squirrelpox vaccine development
- fertility control
- and a joined-up national recovery strategy
The framework examines what we describe as the growing gap between protection on paper and meaningful action on the ground.
And today, we are also incredibly proud to announce that multi-award-winning wildlife filmmaker Terry Abraham has become the first official ambassador for Save Our Reds CIC.
Terry’s breathtaking work documenting Britain’s wild landscapes and native red squirrels has inspired thousands of people across the UK and helped bring emotional attention to one of Britain’s most loved but increasingly threatened native species.
Speaking as he joins the campaign, Terry said:
“We cannot continue warning about decline while allowing vital habitat to disappear without meaningful protection or accountability.”
This campaign has always been about more than simply raising awareness.
It’s about bringing together public support, conservation voices, science, media attention and practical solutions before it is too late.
Because this is a UK-wide issue.
And Britain’s native red squirrels deserve more than concern.
They deserve a future.
Thank you for standing with us.
Marie Carter-Robb
Founder, Save Our Reds CIC
#SaveOurReds