Greggs bake gingerbread squirrels to help Hauxley nature reserve

Jul 21 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THOUSANDS of red squirrels will be eaten in the North East in the next two months to raise cash for a wildlife appeal.

The squirrels will be made from gingerbread by Newcastle bakers Greggs, which is donating 10p from every squirrel biscuit sold in 52 of its shops in the North during August and September.

It is expected that around 3,000 squirrel biscuits will be made each week at Greggs’ Gosforth plant.

The money will go towards a £100,000 appeal by Gosforth-based Northumberland Wildlife Trust to rebuild the visitor centre and observation hide at its Hauxley nature reserve overlooking Druridge Bay near Amble.

Years of research by wildlife volunteers were lost when the building, which was used by 10,000 visitors a year, was destroyed in a suspected arson blaze three weeks ago.

Yesterday, youngsters from Gosforth Junior High School in Newcastle visited the nearby Greggs bakery to try their hand at making the first of the squirrel snacks. Teacher Joe Shimwell said: “The school has its own wildlife garden and the children have been looking forward to the visit to help the environment and see local industry at work.”

Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “It is very much appreciated that a Gosforth-based company is helping a Gosforth-based charity. As well as helping our appeal it is also raising the profile of the red squirrel cause.”

Mr Pratt said it was hoped the trust and Greggs could work together on future projects.