Exciting news in this newsletter!
Over the past two months a massive effort has gone into preparation for the opening of our online shop and we are delighted to announce that the shop is now up and running. We have put together a fantastic selection of gift sets and individual items, all selected and designed to spread a positive message and encourage engagement with nature.
We have also spent a long time thinking about how we can send your products to you in an environmentally friendly way. To the greatest extent that we can manage, we have made sure that all packaging is either compostable, biodegradable or recyclable. We will also reuse packaging that has been used to sent stuff to us so that we can minimise our own waste.
Finally, we are providing free shipping on all online shop orders over €50, so you have no excuse - check it out now!
We have lots more stock arriving over the next couple of weeks so check back regularly in the run-up to Christmas to get some great ideas for presents. Also, don't forget to spread the word by liking and sharing our posts on Facebook and Twitter and by subscribing to our newsletter.
What about the competition?
I'm sure you're all wondering who won the competition for the pair of Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 binoculars. Well, we have contacted the winner and hopefully we will be able to make an announcement soon. If you didn't win but would still like to get a pair of these binoculars, guess where you can buy them?
Species Focus: The Red Squirrel
This month's species watch is taking a look at everyone's favourite, the red squirrel. The red squirrel is a species of tree squirrel with sharp, curved claws and a long bushy tail. The claws allow it to climb up and down tree trunks and branches, and the long tail helps it to balance and steer while jumping from tree to tree and running along branches. Red squirrels are also able to swim.
The red squirrel sheds its coat twice a year. It summer it is a lighter red colour and in winter it is greyer with red hues. You can still tell the red squirrel in winter because the tips of its ears are still tinted red. The underside is always a white-cream colour.
In Ireland, it is found in forests, parks and gardens all the way from sea level to the tree line. Seeds from all types of trees, berries, fruit and fungi are important foods.
Competition with the North American grey squirrel has been the most important factor in the decline in numbers of red squirrels, down to 20% of the numbers observed in 1911. There are estimated 40,000 red squirrels in Ireland and it is assessed to be Near Threatened.