Below is the result of the raffle.

We are holding a raffle to raise funds for the coming year. There is a fantastic selection of prizes, so many thanks to the businesses and individuals who have made very generous donations. It will be drawn on or about the 24th of December and winners notified as soon as possible. A full list of winners will be published here....

NatureSpy are a leading supplier of trail cameras and associated accessories. It has come to our attention that they will not supply any equipment to any groups involved in red squirrel conservation. Below is a direct copy of their policy supplied on request :

The red squirrel is on the verge of extinction in England and Wales. It is clinging on only because of the work done by volunteers, who are unpaid and unfunded by any offical sources. All volunteer groups rely on their own fund raising efforts.

There's no doubt that red squirrels are one of the most photogenic animals in the UK. These charismatic little mammals are delightful to watch, and their antics provide entertainment for hours. They are extremely easy to tempt with food and will quickly lose their fear of humans once they create the association.

This year I watched 8 young red squirrels grow up in one wood - 2 different mothers with 3 litters, 2 litters in the spring and one late summer, and all the kits have survived up to now. They visit the feeders every day and are now starting to take the hazelnuts and bury them in caches for the winter...

Here in Upper Coquetdale, we are privileged to be able to see red squirrels in a number of places. Many of the forest areas are now open after the devastation of Storm Arwen and are freely accessible to everyone. A quiet walk will often reveal signs - stripped cones from the Sitka spruce are a common sight and a sure...