It is estimated that, sadly, there are only 140,000 red squirrels left in the UK. National Red Squirrel Week (27 September to 5 October) gives families a chance to get involved with projects up and down the country which have been set up to help our woodland friends.
Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria is supporting the event, which is held in association with the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, and there are plenty of ways for visitors to get involved. ‘At Whinfell Forest, we offer guests the chance to come on a Red Squirrel Adventure,’ says red-squirrel ranger, Jerry Moss. ‘We provide children with a map to encourage them to look for signs of red squirrels and to solve puzzles along the way. At the end, they get a red-squirrel cuddly toy to take home with them.’
There are numerous other red squirrel conservation projects across the country. To help our furry friends, you can become an active member of your local red squirrel group or donate to the cause by opening a Furness Building Society Friends of the Red Squirrel Affinity Account.
Price: Seven nights at Whinfell Forest costs from £838 for a family of four.
Find out more: centerparcs.co.uk
Are you a family of animal lovers? Don’t miss Family Traveller’s advice on travelling with pets.