YOUNGSTERS from across the borough turned out to support a Red Squirrel open day at Walton Hall Gardens.
Around 30 youngsters visited the gardens in the sunshine to learn more about the squirrels and how to adopt them.
They were taken on a guided tour of the children’s zoo, before painting and making models of the animals and embarking on a scavenger trail.
Ranger Peter Cookson said: “A lot of people have been asking about the Red Squirrels, which is why we put on this special event.
“We’ve been running the adoption scheme for four years and it has been going from strength to strength.”
The Friends of Walton Estate run the adoption schemes that help children and families adopt one of the animals at the Walton zoo.
Red squirrels are nearly extinct in England and Wales, with only some lone colonies remaining in the Lake District and Northumberland.
Currently the children’s zoo at Walton has raised 14 Red Squirrels, three of which have gone into a special programme to be released back into the wild.
Adopting a red squirrel is costs £20 per person with everyone who opts into the programme receiving a newsletter, adoption certificate, invite to an adopters evening and a card on their birthday from the squirrel.
Peter added: “This is great scheme to get involved in and funds raised will go towards our next project of having an animal hospital and food storage facility.”
For more information about getting involved in the Red Squirrel adoption scheme, or any of the other adoption schemes, contact the rangers on 01925 601 617.
Picture shows (left to right) Jason Mansell, 10, Jake Williams, six, Catherine Penrose, five and Georgia Maddock, nine.
Adopt a Red Squirrel
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
