By Rachael Grealish

The University of Cumbria has collaborated with Award-Winning Filmmaker Terry Abraham on a documentary to save red squirrels.

Academics and students from the University of Cumbria have united their expertise with renowned filmmaker Terry Abraham to contribute to his latest cinematic venture. 

Set in a region that hosts some of the UK’s last red squirrel populations, this collaboration bears testament to the university’s commitment to conservation.

The eagerly anticipated documentary, Cumbrian Red: Saving our Red Squirrels, is poised for its UK premiere at Rheged, near Penrith, this weekend. 

The film presents a stunning visual narrative that captures the challenges faced by native red squirrels within the Lake District National Park and Cumbria.

A group of BA (Hons) Wildlife Media students, including Peter Howarth and Rebecca Cooper, received guidance and mentorship from Terry Abraham as they honed their skills through hands-on experience. From capturing footage to conducting interviews, the students actively contributed to the documentary by working on location across the county.

Dr Claire Holt, an expert in forestry and conservation science and a lecturer at the university’s Institute of Science and Environment, lends her scientific perspective to the film. Dr Holt’s on-screen presence offers insights into the lives of red and grey squirrel populations, coupled with a deep dive into the conservation initiatives that safeguard these indigenous species.

Dr Holt’s research, concentrated on the landscape genetics of red and grey squirrels in both Cumbria and Scotland, underpins the conservation strategies featured in the film. 

Commenting on her work, Dr Holt said: “Growing up in Keswick, I have seen the gradual colonization of grey squirrels in the county and then seen the decline of reds in many areas. Being brought up in the Lake District, conservation has always been important to me, as is doing further research into how we can conserve the reds and manage the greys. The more information we can provide the public, the better.”

The documentary also includes contributions from Richard Miller, a BSc Forest Management graduate and senior conservation ranger at Center Parcs’ Whinfell Forest. Miller’s insights provide a valuable perspective on red squirrel conservation efforts, enhancing the documentary’s narrative depth.

Filmmaker Terry Abraham, who also holds the position of professor of practice at the University of Cumbria, described the journey behind the film’s creation. 

He said: “It has been an 18-month journey to get to this point, a conservation story of a beloved, iconic species.

“By us all working together – from landowners, volunteers, groups, and charities – we can help to save these beautiful native creatives. Working with university students and staff on parts of this passion project, we’ve been able to develop a story that is engaging, entertaining, moving and, hopefully, inspiring.”

The University of Cumbria hosted an exclusive preview event at its Ambleside campus, attended by over 60 guests on July 14.

Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria, said: “As a university of and for Cumbria, it has been thrilling for us all to see how this project has involved students and colleagues from across several of our academic fields from the arts to forestry.

“Not only providing a spotlight to raise awareness and to open up discussion and debate from a range of perspectives, this film has offered professional opportunities for our students and graduates who, through our teaching, we are helping to equip with the skills and knowledge that will enable our communities and environments to thrive – now and in the future.”

The film, titled Cumbrian Red: Saving our Red Squirrels, is a product of collaboration between Terry Abraham, the University of Cumbria, Center Parcs, National Trust, Cumbrian Ales, and The Beatrix Potter Society. The documentary is narrated by Eric Robson OBE, and it serves as a testament to the power of partnership in safeguarding the natural heritage of Cumbria.

The film premieres at Rheged this weekend, August 12 and 13.