Mother’s Day with a difference

Dorset Wildlife Trust has an usual gift idea for Mother’s Day this year.

It will suit mums of all ages, and give you the chance to adopt a cute red squirrel and provide support to vital conservation work.

The red squirrel is the only native squirrel to Britain. Despite living here for thousands of years, they are mostly extinct across the English mainland due to the influence of the more dominant grey squirrel, which was introduced from North America.

There are, however, red squirrels still living on the three islands in Poole Harbour, the largest being Brownsea Island, which is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust.

It costs jut £1.25 per month to adopt a red squirrel, or a one off payment of £15 for a year. In return for this payment the recipient of your gift will get a certificate, a pin badge, a book, photographs and other items, along with the knowledge that they have been able to support these species for another year. It certainly makes a change from flowers and chocolates! To get your adoption pack before the 22 March please contact the Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or email mail@dorsetwildlife.co.uk  If a squirrel isn’t mum’s favourite mammal, you can adopt a cute little dormouse instead.