Northern Red Squirrels

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The following article appeared in the February 13 2010 Edition of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald and is reproduced with their kind permission:

Local Funraiser Gets Royal Approval

SARAH McNeil, of Thrimby, near Penrith, has just unveiled her latest red squirrel fund-raising cards. Sarah who was born and brought up near Wigton, now lives near Penrith with her partner Jerry Moss and son, Hagen. She said: “This is the third year in a row that I have released red squirrel images for this worthy cause. All the money raised from the cards goes directly to helping the Cumbrian reds by supplying them with supplement squirrel feed, flip lid feeders, awareness road signs, live cage traps and much more.”

All of the red squirrel photographs were taken near Sarah’s home at Lowther, mostly while assisting Jerry with his work as red squirrel ranger for Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. Sarah said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of interest in the greetings cards and would like to thank everyone who has purchased them.”

The cards have yet again been admired at Clarence House where HRH the Prince of Wales described them as “utterly charming”. Sarah said: “Prince Charles doesn’t hide the fact that he has a soft spot for these enchanting and comical little creatures. As well as being patron for the fairly new charity Red Squirrel Survival Trust, he actively plays a big part in promoting their survival.” In a recent letter to Sarah, he expressed his interest in what she is doing to help protect the red squirrel in Cumbria and was “full of admiration” for her. The letter ended with the message: “The Prince of Wales would like to pass on his best wishes to everybody involved in fighting to protect red squirrels in Cumbria.” Sarah said: “The Prince’s message is a huge boost to everyone involved in red squirrel conservation.”

Last year, Sarah and Jerry were introduced to Princess Anne while they manned the Penrith red squirrel stall at the international sheep dog trails at Lowther. Clued up on red squirrels, the Princess was keen to learn more about the welfare of these elusive animals and to hear about the committed work by local volunteer groups. Sarah added: “We should all feel very proud of our achievements and continue our rewarding work as there are still good colonies of reds in Cumbria to be protected.”

Sarah’s cards cost £1.50 each and can be purchased from numerous outlets in the Eden Valley:

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