ON A SULTRY afternoon the chances of spotting a red squirrel on Brownsea Island are not huge.

Hot summer weather - when the popular island is open to the public - is simply not the best time to see the Poole Harbour island's cutest and most famous residents. But we were in expert company with Simon Lee, National Trust property manager, and Chris Thain, Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve manager, and hopeful of a siting.

"For the public to come and see red squirrels, Brownsea is the prime site in the south of Britain," said Simon. How-ever, September and October are among the best times. Six weeks of daily guided red squirrel walks start on September 12.

"That's when they are most active, caching food for the winter," said Colin.

On our way round the island's squirrel trail we were entertained with tales of Squirrel Nutkin's inquisitive nature. One of the inhabitants, Rufus, climbed through a window of an island home one night, waking the occupant by jumping onto his bed.

The attractive island nature reserve is one of the last southern outposts of the mammal, which is threatened by the larger grey squirrel. Fifty per cent smaller, and 100 per cent more attractive, they compete for the same food but are threatened by the parapox virus carried by the grey.

Brownsea boasts a colony of around 200 red squirrels, and there are some on neighbouring Furzey Island but Green Island's group of five or six has disappeared.

Maintaining their habitat, by slaughtering rampant rhododendrons to allow the reds' favourite Scots pine food to flourish, is also vital to their well-being.

Continuing to scour the trees for a flash of red, we came upon a lad who had seen three on his island walk.

Our reward came not in the woodland but at the feeding table outside the visitor centre. It was worth waiting for.

Resplendent in red with a white bib, tufts of hair hanging over the ears, the antics of the playful animals were a delight to watch as they tucked in to a nutty feast.

Red squirrel walks will be held at 11am and 2pm from September 12 to October 21.

On September 10 a red squirrel picnic and children's activities will be held with free entry going to anyone dressed as a squirrel or carrying a red squirrel toy or picture.

For more information call 01202 707744 or click here to log on to The National Trust website.

First published: September 2, 2005