ISLE OF WIGHT RED SQUIRREL TRUST
Trustees
Sadly trustee John Gurney-Champion passed away, aged 100.
Two new trustees joined in 2024, Nikki Kownacki, a graphic artist and Cath Hollyhead, who is highly skilled and has many talents.
Woodland
At last The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust has purchased 12 acres woodland after years of trying. This was mainly thanks to Simon Howes rowing the Atlantic and raising £100,000 and also a generous donation from naturalist Val Gwynn. The woodland is part of Whitefield Wood and we re-named it Howes Wood. We had a well-attended launch in October, with the media coming along too.
The woodland is a Planted Ancient Woodland site (PAWS) and therefore not optimal habitat for wildlife. Our aim is to fell the dense conifer and allow the ancient woodland to regenerate. A professional forester and the Forestry Commission have visited and will advise the best way to achieve our aims. The wood also has Site of Interest to Nature Conservation status (SINC)
Fundraising
Beth and Debbie did us proud with an auction in November which raised over £5000 which is phenomenal and took a lot of hard work. Businesses were generous in their support once again.
Bluebell Day was a success once again and the bluebells looked stunning as usual.
Kitemark businesses
Squirrels Den Collectibles, Isle of Wight Bird Foods and Island Biscuits continue to support us. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is keen to partner with us and support red squirrels. Discussions have taken place and we look forward to joining them with a launch in spring 2025.
Change of address
The PO Box number has become very expensive, so we agreed not to renew in 2025. Trustee, Nicholas Gurney-Champion offered an office address in Newport, which we all agreed to with thanks.
Shop
A vacant shop window in Newport displayed notices and educational information between April and December. Our new larger than life mascot was also displayed. We have Bernie to thank for making the mascot and Cassie for winning the ‘name the squirrel’ competition. She chose the name Goldie, which the random selection app picked out.
Talks and shows
The usual shows were attended and did well, largely thanks to volunteer Debbie’s input, for which we thank her. Volunteers Jon and Linda gave talks to a variety of groups, which were well received.
We are all looking forward to progressing our work on the Isle of Wight and have many exciting ideas in the pipeline. For instance, trustee Simon Craddock, has started to formulate a project to engage with the younger generation more. Of course once the woodland has paths and a classroom there will be no stopping us!
00 an owes w Current Assets CAF Bank Gold account CAF Bank Cash account Cash In hand Strlpe account Debtors and prepayments 121962 54189 222 29 63109 3346 147 15 269 176403 66886 Total Assets 176403 246886 Less Current Llabllities Creditors and Provisions 500 176403 246386 Capltal and Reseryes Opening Balance Profit for year 143203 33200 176403 69983 Total 176403 246386
period. David Redstone th 18 February 2025