'I'm selling the red squirrel reserve my parents created'


Red squirrels are native to the UK but their population has been driven to the verge of extinction by grey squirrels

When Jane and Hugh Kemp started planting Christmas trees in their woodland in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1960s, they had no idea what would take up residence in the conifers 25 years later.

At first, they were in disbelief. But the newcomers' striking orange-red colour and bushy tails were unmistakable.

Red squirrels had moved into Mirk Pot Woods, near Snaizeholme, and they remain there today on a reserve where they can live wild while the land is managed to protect them.

The Kemps have now both passed away and their son Magnus is selling the 37-acre site in the hope that it will be taken on by a wildlife enthusiast who will continue his parents' legacy.

"We couldn't figure out how they got here. We still don't know how they got here. Red squirrels had not been seen in this area before."

Red squirrels are mostly found in Northumberland and Cumbria, and there are thought to be less than 40,000 left in the country, according to Forestry England's squirrel policy advisor.

The endangered species' biggest threat is the grey squirrel which carries - but is not affected by - a pox that causes red squirrels to die.

The Mirk Pot squirrels have thrived and are now seen in gardens in nearby Hawes and Bainbridge, and in 2025 a new colony was identified in a sitka spruce plantation in an undisclosed location nearby, which the landowners agreed to support.

Magnus and his brother have inherited the woods as well as the farmhouse where they grew up. Much of the surrounding land is still managed for commercial forestry, but the squirrel refuge his parents built is tranquil and undisturbed.

"My mother was a massive naturalist. For my father, although he started off being very keen on trees, the enthusiasm for nature wore off on him, and he became very enthusiastic about protecting those squirrels and the environment."

In collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the late landowners created the viewing area and trail for the public and continued to ensure that all decisions regarding planting and woodland management prioritised wildlife conservation and ecological health.

The woods are for sale with a guide price of £500,000, as the Kemps' sons do not live in Yorkshire and are unable to continue their work.

Jane died at the age of 92 in 2021, and her husband Hugh a decade earlier aged 84.

"It was my parents' dream. It makes me quite emotional to think about what they did," said Magnus, 59. "When they came here, the place was a barren hillside and all of the trees that you can see were planted by them. In terms of wildlife, there was none, and now the place is teeming with birds, and we've got the red squirrels. Their legacy is incredible."

The sympathetic woodland management meant other forest species, such as Scottish crossbills and roe deer, flourished as well, and the presence of the rare pine marten has been suspected over the years.

The Woodland Trust and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have both supported and recognised the Kemps' work. As the Christmas tree plantation was wound down, native broadleaf species were planted in their place. "We've still got plenty of conifers of cone-bearing age so there is going to be plenty of food for the squirrels for a long time."

Chartered surveyors Jonathan Wallis have been handling the sale of Mirk Pot Woods since they first went on the market around a year ago. They said the sale of the property offered a "rare opportunity" to take on a meaningful role in preserving the woods and their wildlife.

"Its rich mix of planting and sensitive stewardship has made it an important part of wider conservation efforts across northern England. Beyond its ecological significance, the woodland has become a much-loved destination for visitors, offering a peaceful retreat for walkers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its unique character and accessibility have allowed many people to connect with and appreciate this exceptional environment."

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Last Updated:12/04/2026 11:43

However on the 13th June (a Saturday) there are trips from Bristol to Oxford and back.

Mike Gibbin, CEO of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, said: "Peter has produced an excellent book, and we are delighted he has kindly offered to share it with everyone free of charge.

British holidaymakers are being warned to arrive at airports four hours early as new EU border checks cause massive delays across Europe.

The Entry/Exit System, which launched in October and became fully operational across 29 European countries on 10 April, is creating chaos at border control.

The system replaces passport stamps with automated checks that log when you enter and leave European territory.

Because Brits are no longer EU nationals, you now have to register your personal details on your first visit to a Schengen Area country.

This means using EES machines at airports, ferries, and Eurostar terminals to scan your fingerprints and face.

The system was supposed to speed up border checks. Instead, it's causing hours of delays.

Reports from travellers show three-hour waits at Lanzarote Airport in March. Similar delays have been reported in Brussels, Lisbon, and Prague.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary has called the system "a shambles" and is demanding a five-month delay to fix the problems before summer.

He says it would make more sense to launch properly in October during the quieter winter schedule instead of right before peak holiday season.

Travel industry experts are warning passengers to add at least four hours to their usual airport arrival time for southern European destinations while the system beds in.

The Home Office claims the checks should only take one to two minutes per person, but admits longer waits are likely during busy periods.

If you're flying to Europe this summer, expect significantly longer waits at passport control both leaving the UK and arriving at your destination.

An update from The National

What the sign does not point out is the rise of over 50 metres from the station to the bus stop.

Those rail replacement arrangements for Avoncliff remind me of St Keyne Wishing Well Halt on the Looe Branch

Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.

Unsafe train station bridge now to be reinforced


No date has been set for the reopening of the footbridge at South Bank station

An unsafe railway footbridge will now be strengthened, rather than demolished.

Trains and passengers have been unable to access platform two at South Bank train station, near Middlesbrough, for 18 months after safety concerns were raised at an inspection.

The plan had been to demolish the footbridge and construct a temporary replacement, ahead of a wider transport project involving redeveloping the station. However, it has now been confirmed the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) will finance an alternative temporary solution to "strengthen" the existing structure to bring it back into use.

Network Rail is said to be working with TVCA and other stakeholders to get the project moved forward, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Although, neither were willing to put a date on when the bridge and platform two could be reopened, following the last self-imposed target of August 2025 for a solution being missed.


Eastbound trains have not stopped at South Bank for a year-and-a-half

The footbridge provided sole access to eastbound platform two, transporting passengers to Redcar and Saltburn.

When it was open, the footbridge also provided access to the north of the station to Teesworks.

Trains that previously called at South Bank on the way to Redcar now pass through the station non-stop, while westbound services to Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland remain unaffected.

Network Rail said ownership of the footbridge was being transferred to it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. A spokesperson said: "This will help move the project forward as we work with the local authority to finalise funding for the work needed to strengthen the structure. Once the necessary agreements are in place, we will move forward with appointing a contractor."

The council are looking to procure an operator to provide an annual passenger ferry service between Fleetwood and Knott End. The Operator is required to provide the ferry vessel, staff and be responsible for day to day operation. The anticipated vessel size would carry twelve passengers per journey with an estimate of 30,000 - 40,000 passengers per annum. The council own the ferry dock and slipway which will be used to facilitate the service. The operator will retain all fares including slipway launch fees and currently a contribution is provided by Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council for the day to day running costs.

No Value Specified          Duration 5 years