Help with red squirrel project (North England)

[Freefall]

I am currently bidding for a GIS project (with the FC as it happens)for the selection of red squirrel reserves in northern England (North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Northumberland and one area at Sefton. I am looking for a USP (unique selling point)and had noted that most of the areas previously identified (must be over 200 ha) were also areas I/we had orienteered on! Knowledge of the forests is seen as a big plus point (to cut down on site visits and hence costs) and if anyone can help me with knowledge of:
a) have you seen any red squirrels and if so where? Knowledge of greys would also help.
b) copies or links to maps of areas of suitable size and composition e.g. primarily coniferous not deciduous and must be 1.4 x 1.4 km or bigger (could be longer and thinner of course)
c) any knowledge of landowners/ownership. FC do know their own land but are not 100% sure of everyone elses.
Happy to take emails at cdmatheson@btopenworld.com or phone 0781 4398145.

[RJ]

....have you seen any red squirrels and if so where? ....

Just outside my front door..... regularly!

[Freefall]

Does your front door open out onto the forest then? If so which one!!

[RJ]

Unfortunately just on to a wooded edge of the river Derwent (which drowned my carpets this time last year!).

[HOCOLITE]

Loads in the grounds of Shap Wells Hotel. Amazing, I've never seen so many.

[Karen]

Saw one yesterday near Barhaugh in the South Tyne Valley - I think the land may belong to Robin Wood Outdoor Activity centre - if not I'm sure they will know who it does belong to.
A couple of months ago saw one cross the road at the caravan site at Slaggyford, also South Tyne Valley - it was lucky not to get mixed up in my front wheel.
Seen in woodland east of Allenheads.
Used to be present at Bay Bridge and Heather View near Blanchland, but saw a grey there last week
Karen

[Freefall]

Red squirrels need strongholds in coniferous forest - grey's cannot get enough to eat with small seeds there. Thanks for input - keep it coming.

[usuallylast]

North Cumbria - Armathwaite (Coombs Wood), Southwaite, High and Low Hesket...
Not seen so many this year, but no greys - yet!

[RJ]

The whole of the Borrowdale Valley is full of red squirrels. A quiet walk whilst planning an event, in the oak woodland around Lodore and Grange, will often be rewarded with sightings. Any greys that are found end up in grey squirrel heaven, apparently!

[mykind]

Latrigg / greta gorge on the outskirts of keswick. Seems to be the front line for the red/grey conflict at present many reds and the odd grey - notified to grey squirrel charon. Any help woyuld be gratefully received

[Freefall]

My proposal is coming along nicely and I will ensure help from the orienteering community goes in there! For those interested in reading more about squirrel reserves see the following http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-7etbp7

There are actually 17 reserves including in the NEOA area Kyloe, Kielder, Healey/Kellas, Dipton/Dukeshouse, Raylees and Slaley. Non orienteering areas include Uswayford, Kidland, Harwood.
YHOA/NWOA? areas include Greenfield, Greystoke, Whinfell, Whinlatter, Thirlmere, Garsdale/Mallerstrang, Whiddale and Sefton.

[Wayward-O]

Seen in Whinlatter earlier this year. As a family, we spent about 5 mins in late summer watching them until other humans came along and the squirrels made their exit.

[pgtelemark]

I run 2-3 times a week in dukehouse wood and I have never seen a red squirrel, plenty of greys I am afraid. The only red I have seen was last year on Warden Hill near Hexham.

[Tatty]

We had them in the garden of our holiday cottage in Rothbury.
I love red squirrels so much I have a huge stained glass picture of one on my front door. It was on ability to do this that we selected our replacement window fitters

[Freefall]

I run 2-3 times a week in dukehouse wood and I have never seen a red squirrel, plenty of greys I am afraid.

The official report states that "red squirrel sightings have been reported from all of the woods forming th reserves in the Hexhamshire cluster". Disappointing if they are missing from Dukeshouse. As part of the project (if successful) we will gather as much anecdotal evidence as well as site visits if necessary so I really appreciate the help so far.