I was reading this article on squirrels – I’d seen them in Brackenstown recently and a good friend had some pics which he kindly passed my way.

So I rang Ger from Fota Wildlife Park for a quick chat. Nice guy. Nice place. [I should visit more.]

Reds and greys aside I simply asked Ger what can one do to encourage squirrels. He kindly explained that:

the grey ones are not bad although they’re having an easier time than the reds. But wildlife and squirrels need a diverse habitat. In our open spaces to encourage them [he suggests] If the leaves fall, don’t rake them all up totally or rake them into a corner and leave in a pile. If you must have a pristine garden try and leave even a section aside to grow a little wild. they’re also love oak trees and if someone has the space thats a really good thing to do to help them.

If you are about Cork, I recommend dropping in – it is so worthwhile. If you’re too busy you can always adopt an animal at Fota [click here] and you can assured the squirrels simply do normal squirrel things….