Cumbrian Red filmmaker talks 'scamps' ahead of South Cumbria showings

It is about to be taken further in the South of the county however thanks to two very special cinema screenings offering 'never-seen-before' insights into the endangered species.

Cumbrian Red - Saving Our Red Squirrel will debut at Ulverston's Roxy Cinema on Thursday February 15 and at Barrow's Forum Theatre on March 20 - which will also see the launch of a brand new Furness conservation project.

Award-winning filmmaker Terry Abraham spent the best part of two years up close with the creatures he affectionately calls 'scamps'.

The project was a 'labour of love' for the self-taught Eden Valley photographer who was inspired to make an educational film after volunteering for the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group.

The film shows the enormous effort that goes into red squirrel conservation by interviewing scientists, rangers, conservationists and locals.

"I was basically a one-person crew," Terry said: "I was out there every single day and was on my own with them. Because of that, I developed a trust with them.

"I even managed to get a selfie with one but I have to say it was pure luck. It came up on my shoulders and I missed the shot but then I was like 'do it again' and amazingly it did.

"They're so hard to capture as they're like lightning. They're aerial acrobats and they can leap around two to three metres.

"I think I learned some things which scientists haven't even discovered about them just by being with them day in and day out.

"They have personalities and character and as such I gave them names such as Rusty and Shadow.

"They even have routines like us. They decide when to go out, get food - if the weather's cold they'll stay in and snuggle up in the warm."

"They talk to each other up in the trees and they're very aware of approaching danger. The sounds change depending on whether they're agitated or relaxed etc.

"It's funny, kids have said they sound like R2D2 whilst the older generation have compared them to sounding like a wireless radio."

The film explores all facets of red squirrel conservation including the controversial topic of grey squirrel culling - a practice which is much more common in the north of the country than the south.

The documentary takes time to explore the alternatives such as grey squirrel fertility control and pine marten predators. 

Terry said: "I was quite nervous at the London Premiere in case I got any grief. Particularly down south, grey squirrels can be one of the only connections to nature in urban areas.

"The film was very well-received however and did what I what I wanted it to do which is to educate and inspire.

"It's a challenging subject because it's not the greys' fault - it's our fault for bringing a non-native species here.

"We don't want to demonise them, however now it really does rely on human intervention to save the reds."

The story of rescued squirrel kitten, Princess Oscar, punctuates the film showing her evolution into becoming a 'Queen'.

"She was one of my highlights and I was worried if she would make it," Terry said. 

"When she was released into the wild I got quite emotional. She kind of darted off in the perfect way for me to capture her and then looked back at the camera as if I'd directed her.

"It hit me then that she was now out in the wild and I wondered when I'd see her again.

"It was important for me to have sad scenes as well happy scenes, as well as explaining the science side of things and the difficult realities such as squirrel pox.

"I've been told that the film ultimately leaves people with a feeling of hope however and that's really what I wanted."

The film is available to buy and rent stream on Terry's website now with sales donated to local reds' groups.