Meet the Save our Squirrels team

Carri Nicholson - Save our Squirrels Project Manager

I spent 12 years as an economic development consultant, providing strategic advice and project management in the UK and overseas, specialising in environmental, rural and tourism issues. During this time I worked extensively with a number of organisations in the forestry sector including the Forestry Commission, the Timber Growers Association, and the Forestry and Timber Association. Working with these organisations gave me an introduction to the economic impact of the grey squirrel, red squirrel conservation and the grey-red debate. I then ran my own house search business for 5 years, then moved into University administration for a spell, before being lucky enough to be recruited to the perfect post for me - running Save our Squirrels!

What do I love about my job?  Working with such fantastic people and the challenge of raising the project's profile and additional funds to ensure the red squirrel has a future in the North of England.  Go on - give us your money! 

Philippa Mitchell - People & Wildlife Officer, Northumberland (On maternity leave until July 2009)

I have been active in conservation and environmental education for over 15 years in Scotland, Dorset and Thailand, the latter being the only place without red squirrels! I am thrilled to be helping to bring the red squirrel into the limelight and encouraging more people to discover all about this fascinating creature.

What do I love about my job?  It is very varied and no two days are alike.  I work with a great team of people in an office where laughter is commonly heard.  Everywhere I go, I meet people who are in love with red squirrels - their energy and enthusiasm keeps me going on tougher days and on those rare occassions when I meet someone who thinks that what we are doing is wrong.

Mark Wilkinson - Conservation Officer, Northumberland 

I have always had a fascination for wildlife and exploring the countryside around me. This helped see me through my MSc in Wildlife Conservation and Management, and kept me motivated during the many months of voluntary work that followed. Red squirrel conservation is a very worthwhile challenge, and I will be doing my best to fight their cause throughout Northumberland.

Charlotte Widgery - People and Wildlife Officer, Cumbria & N Yorks

After graduating from Aberystwyth Uni with a degree in Zoology, I spent a memorable year living in Tokyo, Japan, where I taught English to children.  On my return, I did a stint with the National Trust, working as a volunteer and then on a temporary contract as Assistant Forester/ Warden at Wimpole Hall. From there I worked as a Countryside Officer in Stoke-on-Trent, all of which gave me a good grounding in conservation and education. 

Why I love my job..... During the time I've been working for Save our Squirrels I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with people from all walks of life and of all ages. The one thing all these people have in common is a love of our red squirrel. It's been brilliant chatting to them about the squirrels in their gardens or visiting their school grounds. I love it when I can tell someone something they didn't know about the red squirrel, as everyone is so interested and its great to be able to help develop their understanding. Of course, the other thing I love about my job is getting out and actually seeing reds! No two days are the same - its great!

Simon O'Hare - Conservation Officer, Cumbria & N Yorks

I studied Animal Conservation Science at the University of Central Lancashire , and completed a dissertation on red squirrel patch use in the Solway Basin area. From then on I was hooked on squirrels! Before I landed this post I was involved in red squirrel conservation, working as a ranger at our Whinfell Forest reserve.

Why do I love my job?

Living and working in Cumbria, I am lucky enough to be able to see reds on a regular basis. I know how fantastic it is to come across one when out on a woodland walk, and how important they are to people in the area. Working for SOS makes me feel like I am contributing in some way to making sure they remain part of our wildlife heritage for many years to come.

Sally Orritt - People & Wildlife Officer, Sefton

I have been involved in environmental issues since the late 1980s. I have developed my career from volunteering, through environmental project work and education across the region and currently work as a teacher. I am delighted to be able to combine my experiences through the SoS project.

What do I love about my job?

I love my job because I'm not always recognisable in photos! I love my job because I get to play with kids!! I love my job because I get to dress up!!! I just love my job !!!!

Christine Westerback - Save our Squirrels Information & Support Officer

Although my background has not been in conservation; my passion for wildlife more than compensates. Working for many years with horses I eventually moved to administration & customer service. Being part of the SOS team allows me to combine both my work and my love of the British countryside I feel very privileged to be part of this exciting project.

Fiona Whitfield - Conservation Officer, Sefton 

I have worked in red squirrel conservation for five years and am currently employed by The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside as a Conservation Officer. My geographical area covers North Merseyside and West Lancashire and includes the Sefton Coast National Red Squirrel Refuge. I look forward to working in partnership with the Save Our Squirrels Project.

Jamie Stewart - Grey Squirrel Control Officer, North East Cumbria & West Northumberland

I have always had an passion for the flora and fauna of this country. Having grown up on a farm, most of my spare time was spent outdoors. I left the Scottish Agricultural College in Edinburgh with an H.N.D. in Rural Resource Management and I have spent the last 7 1/2 years working as a gamekeeper on a shoot in Northumberland. I am delighted to be working with the S.O.S. team and carrying out practical and direct Red Squirrel conservation work.