The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Gurney-Champion as its new Chairman of Trustees, following a vote at their recent Trustee Meeting. Nick, a local solicitor and long-standing Trustee, takes over from Helen Butler MBE, who has led the Trust for the past 21 years.
In his first act as Chairman, Nick paid warm tribute to Helen, thanking her for her extraordinary enthusiasm, commitment and tireless work on behalf of the Trust since its inception. Helen has been a Trustee from the very beginning and has played a central role in advancing the charity’s mission to protect and support the Island’s red squirrel population.
“Helen’s contribution to this Trust cannot be overstated,” said Nick Gurney-Champion.
“For 21 years she has given her time, energy and passion to protecting one of our Island’s most treasured species, and the Trust would simply not be where it is today without her. On behalf of every Trustee, volunteer and supporter, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. I’m honoured to take on this role, and I intend to build on the outstanding foundation Helen has left us.”
Under Helen’s leadership, the Trust achieved a significant milestone: the purchase of 27 acres of woodland, formerly owned by the Forestry Commission, which is now being transformed into a natural habitat suited to red squirrels. Nick has confirmed that continuing this transformation is a key priority, with hopes to acquire further woodland in the future to create additional havens for the species.
The Trust is delighted that Helen will continue in the roll of Woodland Manager, in addition to her scientific work; with the Wight Squirrel Project, Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Forum and beyond; for the protection of Red Squirrels.
The Trust is also committed to expanding its community engagement, helping Island residents and red squirrel lovers further afield, to understand how they can support red squirrels through simple changes to their own gardens and neighbourhoods.
The Isle of Wight is one of only a handful of places in the UK where red squirrels continue to thrive, with habitat capable of supporting an estimated 3,500 red squirrels. As pressures on the species continue nationally, the work of the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust has never been more vital in ensuring these endangered animals survive, and ultimately flourish, for generations to come.
The Trust is currently seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising and delivering talks to local groups, as well as individuals interested in becoming Trustees to help guide the charity’s strategic direction.
Anyone interested in supporting the Trust in any capacity is warmly invited to get in touch.
About the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust: The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust works to share education about red squirrels and the flora and fauna that they share their habitat with and to protect and enhance habitats for the Island’s red squirrel population. As one of the last strongholds for the species in the UK we are highly motivated to achieve this through land acquisition, habitat restoration and community engagement.
Contact:
Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Website:
Email:
admin@
Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Telephone:
07746 573707
Keep the red squirrels close all year round with our 2027 Red Squirrel Calendar
How to Get Your Copy
Calendars are £10 (plus p&p) and there are a few easy ways to get your hands on one:
- Order online through our shop: 2027 Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Calendar
- Pop into a local stockist, you’ll currently find them at Squirrel’s Den Collectables, Arreton Barns; Crumb Pact Artisanal Cookies & Brownies (at the fairs they are attending) and Briddlesford Farm Shop with more stockists to come…
- Catch us in person, we’ll have copies at various events across the Island over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our Facebook page (pinned posts) for where to find us next
!["Front cover of the 2027 Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust calendar showing a red squirrel reaching for an acorn"]](https://iowredsquirreltrust.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-300x212.jpg)
Front Cover of the 2027 Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Calendar
A word of warning though, these calendars have a habit of selling out fast, and this print run is limited, so if you know you do want one (or five, for stocking fillers), we’d say don’t leave it too long!
Back Cover of the 2027 Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust Calendar
Every calendar sold goes straight back into our work at Howes Wood and beyond, funding path-building, tree work, monitoring, and all the day-to-day essentials of protecting the Island’s red squirrels. So really, it’s a present for you, and a present for them too.
Sponsors of The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust 2027 Calendar
Thank you, as ever, for being part of our red squirrel family. Here’s to a bright, bushy-tailed 2027.
Keen to get more involved? We’re always looking for volunteers, event helpers, and calendar champions willing to spread the word. If you would like to help with this then please get in touch at admin@iowredsquirreltrust.co.uk , or drop us a whatsapp to 07746 573707