Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust 2025
Woodland
It has been a very exciting year as a further 12 acres of Whitefield was purchased thanks to two timely legacies. Our holding is now 24 acres. The woodland is in need of restoration and a group of volunteers, led by Helen Butler MBE is doing well in removing dead, fallen and dangerous trees. We have a Forestry Commission licence for the work. We are lucky to have help from a local farmer who is generous with his time using necessary equipment for this huge task.
A local forester harvested a block of the Western red cedar crop and the area is partially replanted with native trees with more to come next autumn. It will great to see this wood re-establish as good wildlife habitat rather than a neglected plantation. Once the woodland is made safe, groups will be invited in to learn about the flora and fauna and the positive impact our work is having.
Camera traps set up in a mixed area of woodland photographed four different red squirrels. None were captured on camera in Western red cedar.
Fundraising
Two volunteers, Debbie and Beth co-ordinated a calendar for sale which together with sales at fairs and on the website raised over £9000. We are very grateful for their hard work. Local business, aptly named Squirrel Den Collectables, has done us proud with fundraising and donations collected in their shop. Red squirrels feed outside which does help.
Education
Education is the cornerstone of the Trust and Dr Fishman gave talks, which were well received by community groups. Information was also given out at local shows.
During Red Squirrel Awareness Week, seven events were held for varying groups of people, including a university, Council workers and botanists. The flora that has come back to the wood is amazing and includes a national rarity, the narrow leaved-lungwort. To prepare for the week of events, Island Road workers came along to improve the paths and make them safe. Some attendees were so thrilled with our work they donated much needed tools.
For young red squirrel enthusiasts a special group, called The Red Tail Rangers, was suggested and trustee Simon is pursuing the options re setting it up.
THE ISLE OF WIGFrr RED SQUIRREL TRusr BALANCE SHEEf AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025 2024 2025 Flxed Assets Woodland - Howes wood South Woodland - Howes wood North Storage container 0000 0000 0000 2600 362600 0000 Current Assets CAF Bank Gold account CAF Bank Cash account Cash In hand Stripe account Debtors and prepayments 63109 3346 147 15 269 66886 42850 2861 359 119 46189 Total Assets 246886 408789 Less Current Llabllltles Creditors and Provisions 500 576 Net Assets 246386 408213 Capltat and Reserves Opening Balance Proflt for year 176403 69983 246386 161827 Total 246386 408213 Il (,JL J4•
Reds uirrel Trust Annual Accounts for the 2025 eriod 1st Janua st 2025 to 31 December From the statements, receipts and documentation provided I confirm that the accounts of The Red Squirrel Trust are a true and accurate record for the period. David Redstone th 8 February 2026