Our Work
Out Work
Interview: September 2009 PDF Print E-mail
Amy Campbell is Red Squirrel Field Officer for the Merseyside Red Squirrels Project. RSST interviewed Amy recently about the project and her role within it.

Could you describe the main aims of the Merseyside Red Squirrels Project?
Our objective is to protect the reds that survived the squirrelpox outbreak of 2006-2008 and help promote their recovery over the next 3 years.

Our aims are to:

  • Increase the area of grey squirrel control to prevent the spread of squirrelpox.
  • Survey all woodlands in a 25km wide area to establish a more accurate picture of the red and grey squirrel population.
  • Increase awareness of red squirrel conservation with landowners, the public and volunteers.
Could you explain the impact that the squirrelpox outbreak of 2006-2008 had?
The squirrelpox outbreak was devastating; the refuge population was reduced to an all time low of 100-150 individuals. There were fears that the population faced extinction, however this has proven unfounded.  There has been no squirrelpox case recorded since December 2008 which has given the reds precious time to recover and breed. Signs show that this spring has seen a successful breeding season.

What is your role within the Project?
I am the Red Squirrel Field Officer for the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire and North Merseyside. I spend most of my time ‘in the field’, my job varies day to day and can include: woodland monitoring, surveying, species specific control, trap loan to urban areas, researching landownership, transporting sick red squirrels, liaising with farmers, game keepers, members of the public and volunteers. I am currently surveying over 130 woodlands.  Where greys are encroaching on red squirrel habitat I set up trapping routes.  This is only possible with the excellent support from landowners, volunteers and the public.

What does the future hold for Merseyside’s reds?
The future of the Merseyside reds is not certain but I am filled with enthusiasm. It is my hope that within 3 years we will once again have a thriving population of red squirrels along the Sefton coast.  I look forward to a time when I see the fascinating and beautiful red squirrel everyday.

Click here for more details on the project.