Latest news with #AlanBenson
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Red squirrel celebration set to be hosted by Penrith Red Squirrel Group
The Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group are set to host a red squirrel celebration on May 10 - May 11 at Shap Wells Hotel. The event, which is free to attend, will feature speakers including award-winning broadcaster and photographer based in Cumbria, Terry Abraham and wildlife photographer Alan Benson. The celebration will also feature a chance to observe red squirrels in the wild, along with refreshments being served across both of the days. The event will take place on May 10 & 11 (Image: Terry Abraham) The red squirrel population in the UK is estimated at around 287,000. The species is endangered and is one of the most at-risk in Britain, and Cumbria is one of the few locations where the animal can still be seen. Robert Benson, the chairmen of the group said: 'The red squirrel population of the UK is shrinking rapidly and under threat of extinction due to the presence of grey squirrels. 'The red is the only indigenous squirrel in Britain, but the grey has become a very successful invasive species bringing immense damage to trees, property, song- bird predation and most greys are carrying squirrel pox which is a virus that is lethal to reds. 'This is severely threatening their future here in Cumbria, which is really the last stronghold of reds thanks to the work of local groups. P&DRSG (Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group) have started a campaign – Save Our Reds – with which we are calling for further development of a vaccine for reds against squirrel pox.' The group, which was founded in 1994, became a registered charity in 2006, and has a growing network of supporters, members and volunteers plus dedicated 'Red Squirrel Rangers'. Mr Benson said: 'I started this group 40 years ago having seen the devastation of the red population further south and I was determined to ensure that this part of Cumbria did not go the same way. 'I am immensely proud that we still have reds, but they are in severe danger and keeping the effort going needs more support from the government and the public to fund the ongoing grey control which is so important.' The Upcoming event is a chance for the group to bring attention to the work they do to preserve red squirrels, as well as a way to raise funds through optional donations. The chairman said: 'The event at Shap Wells on May 10 and 11 will give the public the chance to see lots of wild red squirrels in their natural environment at close quarters, for many this may be their first opportunity to do so. ''Cumbrian Red' film maker Terry Abraham will be showing parts of his award- winning film and explaining how he managed to capture some of the breath-taking film. They will also have the chance to pick up tips from experienced wildlife photographer Alan Benson.' Terry Abraham commented on the importance of raising awareness about red squirrels, he said: 'After spending almost two years producing my documentary which features lots of scenes of our native reds to rescued red kittens, locals and scientists, thankfully the film was a critical and smash hit nationwide on the BBC. 'The documentary was also a nominee in two categories for the Royal Television Society Awards for 'Cinematography' and 'Broadcast Factual' which was wonderful. It all helps and continues to raise further awareness of the plight of our native reds to all ages and backgrounds. The kickback from the success of the documentary has been huge with many groups and charities receiving further support and donations.' Red squirrel's are still fighting with the help of groups such as the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group (Image: Sarah McNeill)With the existence of red squirrels in danger, Abraham believes the future for the species is 'bright'. He said: 'There's always hope. Facts and evidence matters.' 'Back in 2006 some scientists felt like it's time to give in and let the greys takeover and continue to cause harm to properties, our habitats and obviously our precious 'Squirrel Nutkins'. 'Well, the reds continue to survive and thrive in many places but the work by volunteers and charities along with ever more scientists and what they do is essential to ensure the trajectory continues on the right path. 'After all, I've personally witnessed people moved to tears when seeing a red scamp.'
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Reform UK wins three seats in Harlow and Thurrock by-elections
Reform UK has gained three seats in by-elections that took place across Essex. The party gained its first seat on Harlow Council and picked up two seats on Thurrock Farage's party has been celebrating victories in local elections across were six by-elections in total in Essex, with the other three seats being secured by the Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford. Reform candidate Paul Jago won the seat in the Mark Hall ward in Harlow by polling 81 more votes than the by-election took place after the Labour councillor the Ockendon ward in Thurrock, Alan Benson and Russel Cherry picked up the seats for Reform - meaning the party now has three seats on the and Cherry secured more than 1,000 votes each - more than double that of their closest rival, Tory Sue Johnson who picked up 533.A decade ago, Farage's former party UKIP won seats in Ockendon. Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman vacated her position on Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council to focus on her job in seat on the county council for Chelmsford Central was won by Lib Dem David Loxton by 1,074 County Council, which comprises of 75 councillors, is controlled by the stepped back from her Moulsham and Central seat on the city council - as did Lib Dem Graham Pooley due to ill Ayres and Seán Manley won those two seats for the secured more than 1,000 votes each, more than double that of their closest rival, Reform's Darren Brooke who got 572. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
