Red Squirrel Week at Tollymore Forest Park

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The Forest Service is actively engaged in developing management of the Forest Park to favour red squirrels and aid their survival. Tollymore remains one of the few areas in Northern Ireland where visitors may catch a glimpse of a red squirrel.

During Red Squirrel Week 2003 the Forest Service has organised a number of activities to raise awareness of red squirrel conservation. On Sunday 14 September between 2pm and 5pm, visitors to Tollymore Forest Park are encouraged to become 'Red Squirrel Detectives' and look for evidence of red squirrels in the forest. There is also an exhibition on 'Red Squirrel Conservation' and an opportunity to take part in a 'Red Squirrel Art Attack' using natural materials from the forest.

The red squirrel is one of the most popular and easily recognisable of our woodland mammals. It is native to Ireland, however its future survival is threatened by the spread of the non-native grey squirrel, which is a larger competitor from North America. Grey squirrels were first introduced into Ireland in County Longford in 1913 and were first recorded in Northern Ireland in County Fermanagh in 1945. They have gradually colonised the rest of Northern Ireland, including parts of Tollymore forest, displacing the red squirrel from much of its original habitat. Tollymore Forest Park remains one of the few areas in Northern Ireland where red squirrels can still be seen by casual visitors.

Forest Service also offers a Red squirrel education programme on the subject of red squirrel conservation for school groups throughout the year. Forest Guides are available (free of charge) for school bookings and educational visits.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Normal entrance fee charges to the Forest Park apply during red squirrel week.

2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office Tel: 028 9052 4619.