PENRITH and District Red Squirrel Group (P&DRSG), acting in partnership with Save Our Squirrels (SOS), has appointed John Lisle (right), of Melmerby, as the new red squirrel ranger for the northern Eden Valley.

Richard Dyke, secretary of P&DRSG, said: “Funded by the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and local landowners, the position was advertised in the Herald and received a tremendous response.

“It was very difficult to make up a shortlist from so many high quality applicants and naturally we had to disappoint a lot of people, but the most heartening thing for us was that the majority genuinely wished to help protect red squirrels and several offered volunteer support to whoever was chosen for the job.

“We are delighted that John has agreed to join us and are confident that he will be a tremendous success. He already has experience of red squirrel conservation as our volunteer grey controller for Melmerby and Skirwith, where he currently keepers a shoot and well understands the sensitivities of working with landowners and game keepers, and one of his first tasks will be to meet them and create good working relationships.

“The core area that John will initially be concentrating on runs from High Stand and Armathwaite in the north down the river corridor through Kirkoswald, Lazonby and Salkeld to Edenhall, but eventually we hope he can cover the whole area bounded by the A69 in the north, the M6, the Pennine Fells and the Whinfell Forest reserve and buffer in the south.

“Equally vital to the success of this project is for him to engage with the local community, work with, co-ordinate and support existing volunteers and recruit new ones to take responsibility for their village, a specific wood or a squirrel habitat that they are familiar with.”

Mr. Lisle said: “The northern Eden Valley is currently one of the main red squirrel strongholds in Britain and I have been charged with ensuring that it remains that way. I know I have the support of the red squirrel charities and the major landowners but if the local community can get behind this we certainly can achieve our aim. Please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.”

He can be contacted on 01768 881744.

Volunteers are needed to help monitor red squirrels, report grey squirrel sightings and undertake grey squirrel control. Anyone interested in helping with this or simply supporting the group’s charitable work by becoming a member, making a donation, etc, should contact Richard Dyke on 017684 83100 or e-mail infopenrithredsquirrels.org.uk. For further information visit www.penrithredsquirrels.org.uk.