## **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