Dozens of red squirrels spotted in Poole and Bournemouth

A flurry of red squirrels have been set loose across Poole and Bournemouth.

Dozens of red squirrels are expected to be found around Poole and Bournemouth

Around 100 of the furry friends have turned up in parks and streets of the two Dorset towns.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013

Residents need not be concerned however, as the creatures are toys - part of a stunt by the National Trust.

Each squirrel has '#NTsquirrel' written on them, encouraging lucky finders to log onto Twitter to be rewarded for their find with free tickets to visit a National Trust location.

Elaine Arnold, National Trust Development Manager said: "We wanted to celebrate our delightful colony of squirrels on Brownsea with a little bit of fun for our neighbours on the mainland.

"Our squirrels are always particularly active at this time of year and more easily spotted by visitors. We thought it might be fun to let a few toy ones be equally active and make a break for freedom across the water."

People can continue to find the toys until Monday October 22, when any remaining red squirrels will be rounded up and taken back to Brownsea Island.

The National Trust have been trying to ensure the long-term survival of red squirrels on Brownsea Island by allowing the natural re-growth of heath and pine trees - maintaining a food source for the creatures.

Special walks are being organised by the National Trust on Brownsea Island to allow people to see the unique animals for themselves.

Claire Dixon, Brownsea Island's Visitor Services and Enterprises Manager, said: "This is a good time to see them when they are busy gathering food for winter -which is why we have our red squirrel walks on the island.

"You are pretty much guaranteed to see one of them whenever you visit, especially at this time of year."