As everyone here knows, there are few sights more magical than a red squirrel darting through the treetops, their fiery coats, tufted ears, and boundless energy making them one of Britain’s most loved native mammals. But behind their playful charm lies a very real conservation crisis.
We’re delighted to share that The Forever Wild Co has created a beautiful Red Squirrel pin badge, with a percentage of funds raised helping to support the vital work of Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust.
By wearing this one small badge, you can make a big difference.
Why Our Red Squirrels Matter 🌰
Red squirrels are agile, intelligent, tree-dwelling mammals that spend most of their lives high in the canopy, leaping between branches in search of food. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and occasionally bird eggs and like careful planners, they store food in caches to survive the winter, even the ones who have a steady supply of daily tasty treats from the owners of their favourite garden haunts will do this.
In doing so, they play a crucial role in woodland ecosystems. Forgotten seeds often grow into new trees, making red squirrels quiet but powerful contributors to forest regeneration.
Yet despite their importance, red squirrels are now endangered in the UK.
The Threats They Face 🐿️
The UK red squirrel population has declined dramatically due to a combination of pressures:
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Grey squirrels, introduced from North America, outcompete reds for food and habitat
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Greys carry squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels but harmless to the greys themselves
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Habitat loss from logging and urban development reduces safe woodland spaces
Without ongoing conservation efforts, red squirrels could disappear completely from much of their historic range.
The Isle of Wight remains one of their last strongholds and red squirrels are thriving here. However, protecting that status takes constant care, resources, and community support.
How this Red Squirrel Badge Helps 💚
Funds raised from the Forever Wild Red Squirrel pin badge directly support red squirrel feeding projects on the Isle of Wight, helping ensure squirrels have access to safe, reliable food sources throughout the year.
These feeding programmes are a cornerstone of conservation work, supporting healthy populations and monitoring squirrel wellbeing across the Island.
It’s a sign of your care for and solidarity with the red squirrels of the Isle of Wight and beyond that you can carry with you visible, meaningful, and impactful.
Do Something Wild Today 🌍
If you love red squirrels as much as we do, this is a simple but powerful way to help protect them.
By purchasing and wearing the Red Squirrel pin badge, you’re:
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Supporting frontline education about red squirrels as well as continued conservation work
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Helping safeguard one of Britain’s most iconic native species
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Spreading awareness every time someone asks about your badge
Together, we can ensure red squirrels remain a living, leaping part of our woodlands and not just a memory.
Click Here 👉 & Do something amazing today. Wear your wild.
or if you prefer you could sign up to support us through Give As You Live and make every online purchase count for the red squirrels of The Isle of Wight
#BeWild 🐿️💚