Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
£250,000 grant fund opens for red squirrel conservation groups
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network has opened a £250,000 grant fund for groups working to protect red squirrels.
The project, which began in 2025, works with conservation partners and volunteers across parts of northern England and southern Scotland.
Groups can apply for grants of up to £500 for small activities or £5,000 for wider projects.
The network hopes to support ideas such as themed walks and improvements to spaces linked to conservation.
Red squirrels are endangered, and their population in Britain is estimated at about 287,000.
Grey squirrels, habitat loss and weak enforcement of protections are among the pressures on red squirrels.
Community groups are now invited to submit ideas to help protect the species and connect people with nature.
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network has opened a £250,000 grant fund for groups working to protect red squirrels.
Grants range from £500 for smaller activities to £5,000 for ideas with a wider reach.
The network works with conservation partners and volunteer groups across northern England and southern Scotland.
The project aims to help communities celebrate red squirrels and reconnect with nature.
Red squirrel numbers in Britain have been estimated at about 287,000, according to the network.
- Who
- The Red Squirrel Recovery Network is offering grants to groups working to protect red squirrels.
- What
- A £250,000 fund has opened for community conservation activities. Grants range from £500 to £5,000.
- When
- The fund was announced on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The project works across Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and southern Scotland.
- Why
- The network aims to inspire action for nature, celebrate red squirrels and help communities reconnect with nature.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network project started.
Save Our Reds said red squirrels still clung on across Cumbria, Northumberland and the North Pennines but could disappear within 25 years.
The network announced that groups could bid for grants from its £250,000 fund.
- Total fund
- £250,000
- Grant range
- £500 to £5,000
- Project started
- 2025
- Project areas
- Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and southern Scotland
- Estimated red squirrel population in Britain
- About 287,000
What people are saying
remind everyone of why red squirrels are so important to our heritage
From introducing children to red squirrels for the very first time to delivering larger habitat protection projects, we're keen to hear your ideas on inspiring action for nature.
Sources
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