Matilda and the Cumbrian Red Squirrel is a children's book that educates children about red squirrels and the issues they face because of invasive grey squirrels. Its author, Charlotte Potter, writes for the Countryside Alliance. 

A year ago, I had the privilege of singing on the score of the BBC documentary Cumbria’s Red Squirrels by filmmaker Terry Abraham. The film explored the pressing issue of red squirrel conservation here in the UK, diving into the harsh realities our native red squirrels face due to the spread of the invasive grey squirrels and the devastating squirrelpox virus they carry.

As someone who has spent several years working as a nanny in London, I was struck by how the children I cared for didn’t know that red squirrels existed. I grew up in North Yorkshire and spent school holidays in the Lake District and Scotland, so for me, I grew up with the knowledge of red squirrels. For the children I look after in London, squirrels are simply the greys they see in London parks. Why would they know about reds, when these native creatures now exist only in isolated pockets of the country, mostly in places like Cumbria, Wales, and parts of Scotland?

Our red squirrels are an iconic part of British wildlife, yet entire generations are growing up without even knowing they exist, much less understanding the ecological battle they’re facing. I realised then that I wanted to create something that would not only educate children, but also inspire a love for our native species and a curiosity about the natural world.

I was in the Lake District, filming with Terry for his documentary - it was a magical day spent in the woods, where red squirrels darted playfully around my feet. To see them in their natural habitat (delicate, quick, and so playful)was incredibly heartwarming. Their numbers have been in steep decline for decades due to the invasive grey squirrels, who outcompete them for both food and habitat and carry the squirrelpox virus—a disease fatal to reds but harmless to greys.

That evening, after returning from filming, I sat down and began to write. The story came to me almost instinctively, a blend of fact and imagination. I wanted children to meet a character they could connect with, one who would take them on an adventure while quietly teaching them about real-world issues like conservation, invasive species, and biodiversity.

The result was Matilda and the Cumbrian Red Squirrel. Matilda is a curious little girl from London, who goes on holiday to Cumbria with her parents and sees her first red squirrel. Through her eyes, young readers learn about the challenges red squirrels face, the importance of protecting native wildlife, and how even small actions can make a big difference.

My hope is that Matilda and the Cumbrian Red Squirrel sparks curiosity in young minds and opens up conversations in schools, homes and communities. Conservation isn’t just for scientists and wildlife experts - it’s something we can all be part of, even at a young age. If Matilda’s journey can inspire even a handful of children to take an interest in nature, to ask questions, or to care a little more about the creatures they share this planet with, then I’ll consider that a success.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who cares about the future of our wildlife, I hope Matilda’s story finds a place in your heart—and maybe even inspires your own small act of conservation.

The book is available online at Amazon, Waterstones and can be ordered at your local bookshop.  For any questions to the author, please email charlottepottersinger@yahoo.com.