Red Squirrel Review

A new report that will help lead future conservation work to protect red squirrels in northern England was published on Wednesday 16 September 2009.

The report, A review of Red Squirrel Conservation Activity in Northern England, evaluates the recent work of various organisations involved in red squirrel conservation in northern England.  The study was carried out by Central Science Laboratory (now part of FERA)1 and involved the UK’s leading squirrel experts. The work was funded by Natural England, Forestry Commission, Save Our Squirrels and the European Squirrel Initiative and overseen by a group that included all the funders plus Northern Red Squirrels, the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Red squirrels are still widely found throughout the North of England and the report confirms that regional initiatives have played a vital role in ensuring that people can still see these mammals across the region.

The report includes a series of recommendations that the author’s believe will improve red squirrel conservation for the future.

The recommendations include:-

· ensuring there are standardised techniques to survey the abundance and distribution of red and grey squirrels;

· adopting a clear, strategic approach to the conservation of red squirrels,

· carrying out detailed monitoring of grey squirrel control. The report’s authors say that grey squirrel control is an essential part of a future strategy and needs to be carefully planned, scientifically monitored and carried out in collaboration with similar projects in Scotland.

The report also suggests a number of areas for improvement, including the need for closer co-operation between the various groups and the need for additional funding for priority work.

Tony Laws, Natural England’s Area Manager for the North East Region, said:- “This report will not only help refresh the existing red squirrel conservation work in northern England but provides a new sense of purpose and provides information on which to base a strong strategy for the future.

Natural England and the Forestry Commission are working with red squirrel conservation groups to use the findings and recommendations in the report to improve the effectiveness of red squirrel conservation work in Northern England.

It is clear that adequate resources are needed for red squirrel conservation, that the excellent work of organisations involved in this work needs greater integration and coordination, and that we need to be better at measuring what has been achieved.”

Richard Pow of The Forestry Commission said:- “This is a timely review of recent red squirrel conservation work and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to this important report. The red squirrel is one of our most beautiful native species and an iconic symbol for the north of England.

The review gives us a good deal of assurance about the work that has taken place so far but also offers plenty of food for thought and some far-reaching recommendations.

We are already taking action in response to the recommendations and look forward to continued work with partners to secure the future of the species in England.”

New initiatives will be underway soon as a result of the report’s recommendations. For example, a review of the current network of red squirrel reserves will ensure that the correct locations have been identified and a new conservation mapping project to record grey squirrel control activity will put in place.

LIVERPOOL PUPILS HAVE AN INSPIRED VISION FOR SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE

44% of primary school children in Liverpool think that schools in the future will be totally different from the way they are now according to a new survey released by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). Today’s pupils believe that classrooms will eventually be accessed from anywhere in the world and lessons will link up with children in other countries via satellite.

Pupils think teaching and learning methods will look very different in the future, with 47% envisaging downloadable lessons or lessons that they attend remotely via webcam being common place. Alongside professional teachers, 50% think that pupils in the future will also be taught by specialists such as artists, writers or professional sports people; and 32% think that pupils in the future will benefit from much more personalised teaching.

While some of these ideas may seem far-fetched, the TDA is already working on a number of related initiatives to improve outcomes for pupils. For instance, work is under way to ensure that every secondary school pupil in England will benefit from having a named personal tutor by this time next year. This will help deliver the more personalised learning and support today’s pupils expect to see in the future. Many schools are also developing and improving teaching and learning by linking up with schools in different countries, bringing external experts into classrooms and encouraging pupils to have an input in the design of their lessons.

Urging schools to think about how they can adapt to the changing world, Graham Holley, Chief Executive at the TDA said:- “It is interesting to see that pupils are anticipating new and innovative approaches to education for the future. They clearly value teachers who produce inspiring, high quality teaching and manage behaviour so that they and all of their classmates can learn. They are perceptive, and see these qualities as important for teaching in the future alongside the innovative use of technology and more personalised learning.  Against this background, we are encouraging more schools to look strategically at how they use their whole school workforce to provide the best possible education for every child and young people now and in the future. The TDA’s resources are developed with schools to help and support them to do so.”

PERFORMERS REQUIRED FOR LIVERPOOL SCARE ATTRACTION OPENING OCTOBER 2009

SOUTHPORT & Liverpool performers with a flair for scare are invited to audition for a frightening Halloween show taking place in the city from Tuesday, 20 October 2009.  Lancashire-based entertainment company, AtmosFEAR! Scare Attractions, is looking for dozens of scary characters to take part in its new Halloween attraction, Vampire Vault, based at Croxteth Hall, Croxteth Country Park, in the city.  Informal auditions for a range of lead roles and minor characters take place at Croxteth Hall, on Saturday, 3 October 2009, and those with a quirky disposition or new starters wanting experience with live audiences, are encouraged to apply.  The show follows the company’s 2008 fright fest, The Phantom Feast, which took visitors on a scary tour of historic Croxteth Hall and into the terrifying path of frightening and sinister characters.  But scares with a bigger fright are planned for this year’s Halloween event as vampire seekers guide guests on a grizzly half-hour or more horror hunt through dark rooms and passageways inside Croxteth Hall which normally remain off-limits to members of the public.  As they creep into the candlelit lair of Count Cruentus Sefton visitors will be met by hoards of frightening and crazed characters on a mission to scare Halloween thrill-seekers.  To take part in Vampire Vault you must have bags of enthusiasm and be physically fit.  Also, you should be confident to learn and perform short scripts, and deliver controlled 'frights' to an ever moving audience.  Creative producer Jason Karl said:- “This year we are looking for a great bunch of performers from amateur or professional backgrounds. People often make new friends amidst the screams!”   Those selected must be available for full-day rehearsals on Friday, 16 October 2009 and Monday, 19 October 2009, inclusive and will be required for evening performances during 20 October 2009 and 21 October 2009 inclusive.  For an audition slot and full details email:- info@atmosfearuk.com or read the Current Manifestations section at:- atmosfearuk.com.