A website has been launched to promote the conservation of red squirrels in Cumbria.

Set up by the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group, it comes after they were contacted by a local resident, Richard Greenwood, who, in December 2022, had a unique proposal: The Blighty Reds.

A spokesperson from the group explained: “Richard moved to Orton in the Eden Valley in June 2021 and was excited to learn the area was home to red squirrels.

“With some help from the group, he and his wife Sammy set up some feeders to attract them to their garden.

“By Spring 2022 they were seeing occasional reds visiting the feeders and now have a whole family who has made the garden their home and can be seen most days.

“Richard was enamoured by the squirrels, and knowing of their precarious conservation status, he wanted to do something to help protect them.

“He used his background in marketing and the squirrels’ daily antics as inspiration to come up with the concept of ‘The Blighty Reds’ alongside an image that really captures our British Red squirrels.”

Richard said: “Red squirrels are so beautifully British, they have been on this island for over 10,000 years and I feel passionate about not only protecting them, but having them thrive in Britain once again.

“Being so iconic, I believe that the right merchandise will provide charities with a source of sustainable funding whilst promoting conscious consumerism.”

A merchandise store has been set up for The Blighty Reds and all profits go to the group which is a registered charity.

There is also a call out for other creative contributions to expand The Blighty Reds range and Richard is working with the charity on this.

Richard added: “I am so pleased that the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group were open to this idea and is promoting alternative ways for people to help charities other than just financially.

“I hope this stimulates some other charities to be more creative with their fundraising and tap into conscious consumerism as a source of sustainable funding.”

To learn more, visit their site at www.theblightyreds.co.uk.

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