(Image: Supplied)
A new £250,000 grant scheme has been launched to help communities protect red squirrels, with funding available for conservation projects in Galloway and southern Ayrshire.
The Community Grants Scheme is part of a five-year project led by the Red Squirrel Recovery Network (RSRN), supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Red Squirrels. (Image: Supplied)
It aims to encourage communities to protect the UK’s only native squirrel species, whose numbers have declined due to habitat loss, competition from grey squirrels and the spread of squirrel pox virus.
Grants of up to £500 are available for smaller activities, while projects with a broader community impact can apply for up to £5,000.
Funding can support a range of initiatives, including community walks, wildlife events, creative workshops, visits to red squirrel sites and improvements to natural spaces linked to conservation.
The scheme covers areas across the RSRN’s network, including southern Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, as well as parts of northern England.
In South and East Ayrshire, red squirrels survive in small, scattered populations. The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has been raising awareness of the species and is encouraging local communities to get involved in protecting it.
Red Squirrels. (Image: Supplied)
The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was designated in 2012 and covers nearly 9,800 square kilometres of land and sea. It supports conservation, sustainable living and collaboration between communities.
The grant scheme is intended to make it easier for people from different backgrounds to take part in conservation, from introducing children to red squirrels to supporting larger habitat protection projects.
Read more
Jack Barton, nature recovery officer with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership and RSRN project lead in the GSA UNESCO Biosphere, said: "There are small numbers of red squirrels in South and East Ayrshire, in pockets scattered throughout the region.
"The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership has been raising awareness of the species in the region, but we would love to hear from communities that know they have red squirrels and want to do more to help protect the species near them.
"Even small actions can make a big difference for this beautiful and cherished mammal."
Heather Harris, communications officer at the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, said: "The scheme is an incredible opportunity to engage people from all backgrounds in red squirrel conservation.
"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."
Helen Featherstone, director for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "To celebrate our native red squirrel, it is wonderful to see these grants being made available to communities to deliver projects where they can learn more about the species.
"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Community Grant Scheme will give people a chance to get involved with the conservation of this rare creature and work to make the magical experience of spotting them in the wild a more regular occurrence."
Groups can apply through the Red Squirrel Recovery Network Community Grants Scheme website.
In Galloway and southern Ayrshire, the biosphere partnership can provide additional guidance by emailing jack@gsabiosphere.org.uk.