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Yorkshire Dales Woodland: A Red Squirrel Sanctuary's Future?
12 Apr
Summary
- Woodland planted in the 1960s now home to rare red squirrels.
- The 37-acre Mirk Pot Woods is for sale for £500,000.
- Woodland management prioritised wildlife, aiding squirrel survival.
Mirk Pot Woods, a 37-acre woodland in the Yorkshire Dales, is being sold for £500,000, presenting a unique opportunity for a wildlife enthusiast. The site, initially planted with Christmas trees in the 1960s by Jane and Hugh Kemp, became an unexpected haven for endangered red squirrels around 1985. Despite their rarity, these squirrels have thrived due to the Kemps' dedicated conservation efforts.
The late landowners, with support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, managed the woodland to prioritize ecological health, creating a viewing area and trail for the public. This sensitive stewardship has benefited not only the red squirrels but also other species like Scottish crossbills and roe deer, with suspected pine marten presence.
The sons of the original planters are now selling the woodland as they do not reside in Yorkshire and cannot continue their parents' work. The Woodland Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have recognized the Kemps' significant contribution to conservation. As the Christmas tree plantation winds down, native broadleaf species are being planted, ensuring continued food sources for the red squirrels for years to come.
