A conservation group has secured £18,000 in funding to equip a network of remote CCTV cameras that will allow volunteers to help protect England's remaining red squirrels. The Upper Coquetdale Red Squirrel Group (UCRSG) is behind the 'virtual ranger' project, which aims to empower local residents to become wildlife defenders despite mobility challenges.
The project was inspired by community presentations where older residents expressed a desire to contribute to conservation efforts. With the new technology, volunteers will be able to monitor live footage and map red squirrel populations from anywhere with an internet connection, providing valuable data for strategic conservation measures.
According to experts, England's red squirrel population is facing extinction due to the threat of invasive grey squirrels, which carry a pox that kills red squirrels but does not affect themselves. The cameras will detect early signs of grey squirrel invasion, allowing conservation efforts to be directed towards areas most in need.
Volunteers recruited for the project only require a mobile phone and internet access, making it accessible to those who cannot participate physically. Regularly shared wildlife footage online will also allow completely housebound residents to experience the secret life of Coquetdale's woods.