The Glens Red Squirrel Group History

The Glens Red Squirrel Group was formed in 2008 by a group of people concerned about the conservation of the Red Squirrel. These people were aware that we had Red Squirrels in small pockets across the Glens and were also aware that Red Squirrels were at risk in the UK and Ireland. Several public meetings were held in the Glenariff and Cushendall areas to see what general interest there was to try and help the Red Squirrels. These meetings were attended by people from across the Glens, and so in January 2008, the Glens Red Squirrel Group was formed to cover all nine Glens from Glentaisie to Glenarm.

The plan was that we would work to protect and conserve the Red Squirrel population in the Glens area, and we have been doing this ever since, in the form of habitat restoration, monitoring, supplementary feeding programmes, Grey Squirrel control and education.

In the first few months of being formed, the group spent much of its time trying to find populations of reds in the Glens; in some areas, this was easier than others. We focused on Northern Ireland Forest Service land, looking for evidence of squirrel activity, such as nibbled or eaten cones or areas where people had seen Red Squirrels. This by itself was difficult, as not many people had seen them, as they were so secretive, unless it was a chance encounter on an early morning walk. We had some people who had one or two squirrels visit their garden bird table to pinch a nut or two. The information we gathered over the first few years helped us find reds throughout the Glens. We found several populations, some stronger than others, but widespread across the Glens, in Forest Service ground and in private woodlands.

The only other Red Squirrel Group in Northern Ireland at this time was the Tullymore Forest Group. From this early beginning, we have grown into a recognised and well-respected conservation group.

Although Red Squirrels may have been on the island of Ireland since the Ice Age, they still needed a helping hand from time to time. From 2008, we have not only been helping the Red Squirrel here in the Glens, but our work has also helped Red Squirrels across Northern Ireland. We have been involved with several ground-breaking projects for Red Squirrel conservation throughout Northern Ireland.

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Our projects through the years

Supplying Red Squirrels to Belfast Zoo.

Setting up Red Squirrel Safari Trails through the Glens.

The formation of the Ranger position within the group to coordinate all work undertaken by the group's many volunteers.

The release of captive-bred Red Squirrels in Glenarm Estate.

The planting of trees in the Curragh Wildlife Area, Glenshesk.

Advising the Ulster Wildlife Trust on Grey Squirrel control in preparation for the Red Squirrel United/Life + projects.

The removal of Grey Squirrels from Carnfunnock Country Park.

3000 Squirrel friendly trees planted in Glenariff Forest Park.

The release of Red Squirrels in Mourne Park, Co. Down.

The erection of a Red Squirrel Hide, Cregagh Wood, Glendun.

The setting up of a live feed web camera.

The setting up of cameras for the Forestry Tea Room in conjunction with the Glenariff Community Group, in Glenariff Forest Park.

The planting of trees at Ballyeamon Barn, Ballyeamon.

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Over the years, we have attended a large number of fairs and events of all types. We have given presentations to groups and organisations, attended schools and taken school groups out into the forests and woodlands to help educate them on Red Squirrels and other wildlife. We have led walks and provided training to a large number of people and organisations. We have been on television, radio and in national and local papers. We are a well-respected conservation group in wildlife circles.As a small charity, all of this is only possible due to the membership fees, fundraising, grants and the donations that we receive from the public and group members.