What is the Red Squirrel Viewing Hide and Safari?

The Hide and Squirrel Safari are situated in Parkhurst Forest, which is partly a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The forest consists of both ancient woodland (meaning it has existed since before 1600) and plantation woodland. The forest is owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. The Red Squirrel Viewing Hide was opened by David Bellamy, it resembles a log cabin and is built mostly from Oak and Douglas Fir, harvested from the forest. The hide is free, open all year and accessible to pushchairs (wheelchair access may be possible for some users, but access is via gravel paths). Parkhurst Forest is open to the public and has a selection of well maintained paths in addition to the Squirrel Safari, with a large carpark with picnic tables.

Where is the Viewing Hide?

From Newport by car follow the signs for Yarmouth via Forest Road, after about one mile on Forest Road look out for the turning into Parkhurst Forest and park in the car park, then follow the signs around the Squirrel Safari via the Hide or pick up a route card from our online shop or from local Tourist Information Centres.

By bus, the nearest stop is Standen Avenue, but for a more regular service go to St Mary’s Hospital then walk along Forest Road.

 

What Can You See?

Wildlife

At Parkhurst you can see Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies which are regarded as important on the national scale by the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), they state that this butterfly is scarce locally and its population is declining. The caterpillar and butterfly feeds on violets which are also in decline. Your best chance to see this pretty butterfly is between late April and July in forest clearings.
White Admiral butterflies can be found in Parkhurst, they have been identified as a medium priority species by the Regional Action Plan. White Admirals are a striking butterfly with a white band on black. They eat honeysuckle and are best seen near brambles in sunny glades or the cleared paths (forest rides). These  rides and clear fell areas in Parkhurst are important because the long grass habitats are great for small mammals and their predators such as the Long-eared Owl, you can also see Sparrow Hawks and Buzzards. The ponds in the centre of the forest are home to Great Crested Newts, Britain’s largest newt which can live up to 27 years. Great Crested Newts are dark in colour and eat insects, both in the water and on land.

Red Squirrels

The Red Squirrel is Britain’s only native squirrel. The Island’s population have been able to thrive due to the absence of Grey Squirrels. Grey Squirrels were introduced to Britain around the end of the eighteenth century, It is uncertain why this was done but likely that the Victorian’s had little understanding of the damage this would cause. Red Squirrels have also suffered due to loss of their habitats, they are able to live in a wide range of forest types but they prefer conifer because they can forage more efficiently. Red Squirrels are 35 to 40cm from nose to tail, weighing only 350g. Their colouring is hugely variable, ranging from bright ginger, red through to dark brown and they can even be tinged with grey. In the winter they are particularly noticeable with their big ear tufts. Squirrel nests, called dreys can be spotted in tree forks or hollows are constructed from twigs and lined with moss and hair.

Art

We have commissioned local artist Paul Sivell to construct a selection of unique chainsaw timber carvings. Paul can be seen here on the left carving the giant squirrel climbing a tree, on the right is the finished carving.

Map Illustrator Alan Rowe has created a route card for the site to show how to find the hide and navigate your way around the forest.

 

Links

www.forestry.gov.uk – The Forestry Commission – Owners of Parkhurst and Partners in construction of the hide
www.ukredsquirrels.org – The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has a very informative page on Red Squirrels.
www.wightsquirrels.co.uk – Our local group working to inform people about Red Squirrels.
www.lhi.org.uk – The Local Heritage Initiative helped fund the project.
www.wildonwight.co.uk – Great information on Island wildlife and the Biodiversity Action Plan
www.butterflyconservation.org – Lots information about butterflies and their habitats.