Red Squirrels
 

RED SQUIRREL week ~ 31st September - 8th October 2007

This gorgeous squirrel is having it's own awareness campaign week !

Do you know of any reds near you ~ The Wildlife Trust would like to know for statistics & research purposes ~ Scroll down on this page of the website to find out who to contact in your area.


The forestry.gov.uk website has a nice page of information you can use for a Red Squirrel.

Although not originally british The Grey squirrel is very cute too ... finding the equilibrium between the two species, their habitats and supporters is the key to survival and success for everyone :highfive:

ACTIVITIES

• Squirrel colouring picture on Spindle Spiders page ~you can collage or paint a squirrel picture.
• Use large fluffy pipecleaners as paintbrushes.
• Build a tree wall display and create a drey in the trunk..
• Make some Red Squirrels to run jump and be tied (mobile fashion :wide-eyed !!) from the branches.
• Use red fur cut into circles and triangles for the head, body & ears ~ and a long oval shape for the tail. Colour black eyes and noses.
• Bury walnuts/other plastic replica nuts in your sand tray and let the children be squirrels as they rummage to find them again.
• Discuss hibernation - and play Sleeping Squirrels (instead of sleeping lions!) after a hectic game of Squirrel scramble!

SQUIRREL SCRAMBLE
A run around game that has impromtu actions.

The children are the squirrels out for a days foraging for food - but they must avoid all the dangers of being out in the open !
(this game will be all the better if you have an assault/obstacle course set up to travel over.)

Some action ideas ..

• Here comes a dog - quick climb a tree
• Cross the road with care ... scamper to the other side and up a tree for safety.
• Wheres the bridge to cross the river ... quickly over and mind the gaps.
• Pick the nuts up from the ground.
• Dig a hole and bury them for the spring.
• It's getting dark and it must be time for bed .. find your nest and curl up in a ball ... close your eyes and fall asleep ...
• Carry on to Calm the children down by playing Sleeping Squirrels

Have fun and please add on with squirrel activities you've enjoyed ..

Bouncy Squirrels role play mini topic would be excellent inclusion to any Preschool or reception themed activities ..

Bouncy Squirrels Forest Role Play

I don't think we get red ones at all (Northants)l, lots of grey though.

My children visit a place in Scotland with their dad where there are red squirrels who come into the garden and feed regularly - they've got quite tame and are absolutely beautiful

Sarahx:smile: