This is the final call for this year’s Red Squirrel Week (October 5th–12th, 2025) wmarks a major milestone for the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust — our 20th anniversary!
To celebrate, we’re hosting a week of special events in our very own woodland, purchased last year thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the incredible fundraising of Atlantic rower Simon Howes.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the woodland up close, discover the work we’re doing to protect one of the UK’s most endangered native mammals, and learn how you can play a part in ensuring their future on the Island.
🌳 A Woodland Worth Celebrating
Our private woodland is a thriving example of habitat restoration in action. With no made-up paths, it’s a true slice of wild Isle of Wight countryside — so visitors should bring sturdy shoes and steady footing!
Booking is essential as each event during Red Squirrel Week includes refreshments and a guided tour, giving guests a firsthand look at how we’re managing the site for wildlife and education.
We’re also working to transform this woodland into a long-term outdoor research and education facility. To make that happen, we’re seeking donations of a recycled cabin to serve as a base, and woodland management tools (amongst other things) to support our volunteers and teaching groups.
You can follow our progress through the woodland restoration blog at iowredsquirreltrust.co.uk/news.
📅 Red Squirrel Week 2025 Events Schedule
Wednesday 8th October – Business Day
Local businesses that support us — and those who’d like to — are invited to visit. Look out for our Red Squirrel Supporter Kitemark when shopping or dining on the Island.
A special thank you goes to Island Roads volunteers for helping prepare the site for this year’s celebrations.
Thursday 9th October – Education Day
A day for schools, colleges, and community groups to explore woodland ecology, biodiversity, and conservation in action. Please contact Helen to arrange participation.
Friday 10th October – Supporters’ Day
A chance for Friends of the Red Squirrel, regular donors, and squirrel adoptees to see how their support is making a difference. Guests are welcome for a small donation.
Saturday 11th October – Volunteer Day
We urgently need more helping hands! If you have practical skills, time, or enthusiasm, come along to meet our team and discover how you can get involved.
Sunday 12th October – Monitoring Day
Experts and wildlife recorders are invited to document the woodland’s flora and fauna. With its diversity of habitats, there’s plenty to discover and record.
🔒 Booking Information
Please note that our woodland is not open to the public outside of these events.
To book your place and receive gate opening times:
📧 Email Helen: wightsquirrels@hotmail.com
📞 Call: 01983 611003
❤️ Join the Celebration – and Help Protect Our Red Squirrels
This 20th anniversary is more than just a celebration — it’s a reminder of how much can be achieved when a community comes together for wildlife.
Every visit, donation, and act of support helps ensure that red squirrels continue to thrive on the Isle of Wight — one of their natural strongholds in England.
Join us for Red Squirrel Week 2025, explore our woodland, meet the team, and be part of the next chapter in red squirrel conservation.
Please note that our woodland is not open to the public outside of these events.
To book your place and receive gate opening times:
📧 Email Helen: wightsquirrels@hotmail.com
📞 Call: 01983 611003