Celebrate all Things Red Squirrel in Slieve Gullion

Red Squirrel Week is fast approaching and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have joined forces with the Ring of Gullion and Cooley Red Squirrel Group to offer a wild day out for all at Slieve Gullion Forest Park on Saturday 3 October from 1pm to 4pm. Come along to this free event to learn more about our furry native red squirrels and autumn in the park.
Book a session between 1pm and 4pm to take part in our new red squirrel trail, see a play about the history of how grey squirrels came to Ireland, take part in the red squirrel art attack and help the group map where you have seen red and grey squirrels recently.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie explains, “Weather depending, the public can take part in our guided Red Squirrel Trail. The trail takes the public on a journey of the red squirrels natural habitat. We will also have Dr David Tosh from Quercus providing talks on squirrels and how they interact with pine martens.”

Cllr Bailie added, “We will also be trying to encourage more people to report their sightings of red and grey squirrels to enable the group to pinpoint where action is needed. This can include setting up new feeding stations for red squirrels or setting traps for grey squirrels. We are always looking for more volunteers to help”.

The Red Squirel Group hope this event to celebrate Red Squirrel Week, will help people understand more about the red squirrel’s habitat and behaviour, why they’re in danger from factors such as competition from greys, disease, and loss of woodland, and get involved in efforts to protect them.

This event is free and supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To book your place visit the website www.ringofgullion.org or call into the office in Crossmaglen Community Centre, O'Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA, 028 3082 8590.