Help us to save Britain’s endangered Red Squirrels
22nd June 2011
Tregothnan supports a pioneering project to save this threatened native species
The Cornwall Red Squirrel Project is one of the latest projects launched by UK charity organisation the Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST) which seeks to re-introduce this native species to Cornwall. As recently as 50 years ago, the invading grey species was unknown South of the Tamar river, but sadly there is a very different story to tell today. The charity's patron HRH Prince Charles launched the project at the Royal Cornwall Show in 2010 and since then Tregothnan has joined a number of supporters and land owners in the fight to reintroduce this beautiful animal. You can help by making a donation of £2 online now >
"Inspired by the expert research of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and the success of projects elsewhere in the UK and Scotland, the Cornwall Red Squirrel Project (CRSP) has been formed with the express purpose of reintroducing the red squirrel to The Lizard peninsula and West Penwith. Both areas are bounded by the sea on three sides. By creating a buffer zone from which all greys can be excluded, the population of greys within the project areas will be permanently eliminated. To achieve this the CRSP are about to appoint a full time ranger for three years, whose job will be to supervise the project, to enlist public support and practical volunteers, and to raise further funds to maintain the programme." Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE, DL. President, Cornwall Red Squirrel Project.
The last authenticated sighting of a red squirrel in Cornwall was back in 1984 - please help us to bring them back by making a donation of £2 to fund this vital project. Donations can be made safely and securly online via our own website >
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From Mereworth Woodlands
21st April 2011
The woodland Easter egg hunt begins
I nearly stepped on this camouflaged hen pheasant this morning as she lay roosting in the uncharacteristically warm Easter sunshine. She lay remarkably unprotected in this open spot of coppice woodland, close to the hubbub of the charcoal retorts. It is common for hens to share nests, nurturing the eggs fertilized by the same male cock pheasant between them. There are currently nine delicate blue tinged eggs and providing the resident buzzard and goshawk don't spot them, I wouldn't be surprised for that number to double over the Easter period. Watch this space! More news on our new resident pheasant family coming soon.
