Center Parcs, a safe haven for the endangered breed of red squirrels has recently appointed Jerry Moss a Red Squirrel Ranger to try to prevent the spread of squirrel pox into the colony. Recently a sick red squirrel recovered from the deadly squirrel pox virus carried by grey squirrels, which has put protected colonies across the UK at risk. Passionate about preserving these increasing rare creatures Center Parcs is spending approximately �50,000 each year on protecting the colony at Whinfell Forest.

Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, home to Center Parcs is one of only 16 red squirrel refuges in England and was awarded this status in 2003, currently the Colony is about 100 strong. Until now endangered red squirrels have been fighting the disease with little success, but recently a veterinary surgery in Penrith used the anti-viral drug, Interferon, on a sick red squirrel, which is now making a recovery. The squirrel was rescued near Whinfell Forest, by Center Parcs dedicated red squirrel ranger Jerry Moss. To date three red squirrels survived after treatment with Interferon and these were some of the first reds ever to survive. Jerry Moss said �Center Parcs is totally committed to protecting and enhancing the red squirrel colony here at Whinfell Forest. It�s great news that these three squirrels appear to be recovering, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Hopefully the success we have had here in Cumbria will give hope for a brighter future for colonies of red squirrels across the country.�

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest village is committed to preserving the red squirrel colony that naturally inhabits the forest and employs a ranger solely for this purpose. Center Parcs is also giving guests an opportunity to help red squirrels in their fight against squirrel pox. A special leaflet has been produced and is given to all guests at Center Parcs Oasis Whinfell Forest to help raise awareness of the plight of the colony and ask for their vigilance in spotting any grey squirrels in the area.

Local residents in the Penrith area are also helping by filling in a Squirrel Sightings card and returning it to Center Parcs. This provides invaluable information on the movements of red and grey squirrels in the area and helps ranger Jerry identify further threats to the colony. To book a holiday at Whinfell Forest and see the red squirrels up close, call Center Parcs on 08708 400 220 or visit www.centerparcs.co.uk.

For further press information and images please contact:

Natasha Seth � 020 7349 2491 natasha@halpern.co.uk

Center Parcs� Red Squirrel Ranger Jerry Moss is available for interviews; please contact Halpern to arrange an interview.

Notes to Editors: Center Parcs operates four holiday villages in the UK � Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest, Suffolk, Longleat Forest, Wiltshire and Whinfell Forest in Penrith.

The Villages are set in a forest environment, typically 400 acres in size, and provide high-quality accommodation in fully equipped villas, apartments and lodges, which are set amongst trees and streams. Each village offers an extensive range of sports and leisure activities plus numerous restaurants, bars and retail outlets and an Aqua Sana spa facility. Woodland, water and a natural, healthy environment are the essential elements.