The Isle of Wight is regarded as the stronghold of red squirrels in southern England, and Bouldnor forest, which borders our property, is the most densely populated red squirrel habitat on the island.
Television companies and wildlife photographers have been astounded when they see numbers of these fascinating little creatures so close at hand. We have no grey squirrels on the island, our reds would soon be extinct if some were introduced, as has occurred in most of mainland England where the grey is quite common.
The red squirrel is smaller and more delicate than the grey squirrel, weighing only 300grams. It is extremely agile, leaping through the treetops via fine twigs on the tallest trees. The grey squirrel is stockily built and weighs over 500 grams.
Previous owners of our home, which has an acre and a half of woodland, have fed the red squirrels for many years, and our garden has become an essential part of their territory. We have many hazel and oak trees which provide food and twigs for drey building. We also have nutboxes and supply drinking water. Watching the squirrels throughout the seasons for
several years we have got to know some particularly well, and they seem part of the family.

They feed mainly twice a day,early morning and late afternoon or evening, depending on the time of year. A few will come at other times of the day, this is partly because there is a strong pecking order, and those unfortunate to be at the bottom end, have to wait until their superiors have had enough. We have witnessed some endearing qualities and some very funny behavior, living so close to the red squirrels, now high on the list of endangered wildlife.

Dorothy M Briggs Belongs to the Wight Writers, and has had work published by. YOUR CAT MAGAZINE, THE COUNTRYMAN, BEST OF BRITISH AND WEST WIGHT BEACON. and many more....

Both Dorothy and I have recently collaborated on a book and film on the squirrels to be entitled "OUR FRIENDS FROM THE FOREST". In which Dorothy's Amusing and informative text, has been coupled with my imagery. WATCH THIS SPACE!!
Photography.

Squirrels being arboreal animals, makes the use of hides very restricting. To this end, I decided to sit out in the open, and acclimatise the animals to my presence. This proved a great success and within a few weeks, these delightful little animals accepted me as part
of the scenery. So started a love affair with them, which lasted for the whole of the two and a half years that I spent on the Island. During this time, I amassed over two thousand still images and twelve hours of moving footage (the poor Editor). At one stage I even had an irate squirrel sitting on my knee, swearing at a rival. Dorothy's knowledge of the Squirrels was second to none, this made my life as a photographer that much easier, and the cups of tea, even easier still.

THANKS GO TO DOROTHY AND HUSBAND JACK.