Nature features

One of the most important nature issues in the North of England is the plight of the threatened red squirrel.

Northumberland and Cumbria are two of the last remaining strongholds of the native species which has been dwindling since grey squirrels were introduced to Britain from North America in the 19th Century.

The grey has dominated habitats and food supplies and carries a pox virus which is fatal to the reds.

Over the years a number of groups of volunteers have sprung up to try to safeguard the reds.

Critical point

And now an umbrella group, Northern Red Squirrels, has been set up to bring together all the voluntary groups and individuals to coordinate their efforts.

Sally holds abandoned red Fidget at three weeks

Sally Hardy is the group's Northumberland coordinator and a member of Ponteland Red Squirrels.

She said: "I feel as though we are at a critical point. Unless we do something we are going to lose our red squirrels.

"It's such a shame if we are going to let them disappear.

"It's an emotive issue. We realise that we are lucky to still have red squirrels in the North of England and they are worth fighting for."

Interactive map

Sally said the grey squrrels had been introduced to this country without the full consequences being examined and they were just trying to "redress the balance" through their work.

The idea for the umbrella group is to help the various groups work together so they are aware of what each other is doing and to coordinate their action and so make it as effective as possible.

It will enable groups to stay independent but provide them with the back-up of support.

Northern Red Squirrels will focus on protecting the red squirrels' habitats, red conservation, raising awareness about the reds and the control of grey squirrels.

One of the key parts of the project is an interactive map on the group's website. It shows where the different red squirrel groups are based and contact details so people can get in touch with sightings or if they want to get involved.

It will also be a channel to offer support and help groups with their fundraising and encourage openness between all the groups.