Nutty Group set up to help local Red Squirrel

If you would like to learn more about them and find out how you can help to conserve them, come along to the city's Red Squirrel Group, which will be held on Thursday, September 23 at 7pm in St Columb's Park House.

Christine Doherty, Derry City Council's Biodiversity Officer, explained: "Red squirrels are classified as a Northern Ireland Priority Species as its population has rapidly declined over the past number of years.

"Since the introduction of the American grey squirrel to Ireland 100 years ago, the red squirrel has had to compete for food and territory, and is ultimately losing this battle being gradually pushed out of its natural range through disease, habitat loss and fragmentation.

"We hope that the formation of a Red Squirrel Group in the city provides a fantastic opportunity for us to play our part in to monitoring, conserving and revitalising the local red squirrel population as without help the species will eventually disappear from the city."

This first meeting, will discuss the conservation issues surrounding red squirrels and explore what local action can be taken to help.

A vital starting point will be to map recent sightings of red and grey squirrels throughout the Derry City Council area.

Red squirrels have been recorded around Learmount Forest, Prehen Wood, St Columb's Park, Gransha Wood and Muff Glen. So ask your friends and neighbours where and when they have last seen a squirrel and either bring these records to the meeting, or report them to your local biodiversity officer.

For more information about how you can play your part in revitalising the city's Red Squirrel population contact Christine Doherty on 02871 365151 or email [email protected].