Brownsea Island

Beautiful Red Squirrel

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The Church on Brownsea Island

The Flag on the Ferry Boat.

Red Squirrel
This is Britain's native Red Squirrel. Sadly The introduction of the American Grey Squirrel has meant that our native reds are now struggling to survive. The grey is bigger and less vulnerable to disease. There are very few places in England where the red can now be found. One of these places is a small island in Poole Harbour where about 200 of them live. Today we took a trip to see them. it is the first time I have seen a Wild red squirrel since I was a child. karen and I spent a long time watching them! Recent reports have suggested that the Red Squirrel will be extinct in the UK if we do not cull the grey and give the red a chance to survive!
(The first authenticated record of a grey squirrel introduction is for 1876 within the grounds of Henbury Park , Cheshire . Records of introductions from America then continued until the late 1920s, whilst translocations within the UK are documented until 1937)

Curlew and bar tailed Godwits

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We had a very healthy Lunch!


Another photo of the red squirrel