Save the Squirrel Forest from deforestation!

Let's save The Squirrel Forest!

UPDATE 2: Due to the success of the project, I will be closing physical rewards (prints and hoodies) on Wednesday 13th November! 

UPDATE: YOU ARE ALL AMAZING! WOW! 

If we exceed the goal, there is a remaining <£10,000 for the full purchase, change of ownership costs and potentially setting up a non-profit association. I was planning to pay that myself with calendar profits. Money can also be allocated to purchasing native trees for the rewilding project. 

Why save The Squirrel Forest?

The Squirrel Forest is one of the last intact patches of secondary forest in the area, providing a safe haven for red squirrels in an area where clear-cutting has become common and unsustainable. Clear-cutting not only removes trees but also disrupts the delicate soil systems, mycelium networks, and array of mushroom species that are essential to forest health. In The Squirrel Forest, mature pine and spruce trees support red squirrels, who rely on the cones. There are also roe deer, foxes, goshawks, and a diversity of birds. Left undisturbed, this forest has developed into a balanced, biodiverse ecosystem—a little sanctuary in an increasingly fragmented landscape. If deforested, we risk losing the red squirrels in this area.

My name is Dani, and I’m a wildlife photographer sharing my adventures of finding and photographing wildlife through YouTube videos. 

Over four years ago I visited Northern Sweden for the first time and I discovered a patch of woodland I've named 'The Squirrel Forest,' home to red squirrels, roe deer, foxes, mountain hares, goshawks, and more. I started sharing stories about the forest and its squirrel inhabitants and after a video of a baby squirrel squeaking went viral on Twitter, I grew an audience that adored these animals. These squirrels have now featured in international TV, the Hollywood movie Dune, an exhibit at a Natural History Museum, and it would be devastating to loose it.

The Squirrel Forest is a a haven for the red squirrels with its mature pine and spruce trees, decaying wood, and diverse fungi—a perfect habitat, and its the last woodland in the area with old trees. The plot of land is 25 acres and includes a large clear area that has great potential for rewilding projects.

My vision is to secure The Squirrel Forest as a sanctuary for red squirrels and all the wildlife that rely on it, as well as create a rewilding project in areas that have already been clearcut.  Together, we can ensure this beautiful place remains a refuge for wildlife and a source of inspiration for years to come. Join me in giving The Squirrel Forest back to nature—forever.

Exclusive Rewards to Support The Squirrel Forest!

Join me in preserving The Squirrel Forest and enjoy unique rewards that connect you to the heart of this magical place. Choose from a range of special offerings, including a cosy hoodie, a winter photography trip to northern Sweden - you can visit The Squirrel Forest yourself and a chance to sponsor Buddy, my star squirrel. You can also enter a raffle to name a squirrel, join a livestream, or receive a set of digital squirrel backgrounds.

For photography enthusiasts, there’s an opportunity to book a talk on red squirrel photography, or choose your favorite squirrel photo for a signed print. Every reward offers a unique way to bring the forest’s wonder into your life while supporting its protection.

The Story of Roo

After spending four years watching red squirrels, I thought I knew everything there was to these animals but I was very wrong. Last year a baby red squirrel found its way into my life. I had found the kit’s mother a couple of days before on the road, she’d been hit by a car. Human’s had taken her mother’s life, and I took the responsibility of hand rearing this 5 week old baby squirrel. Since she was an orphan and hand reared on her own, she became very attached to me, and demanded to sleep in my hoodie pocket, it reminded me of a baby kangaroo sleeping in its mother’s pouch and so I named my little squirrel, Roo.

Roo quickly became a chaotic teenager - running around, destroying sticks, climbing curtains, and so we built a soft release enclosure. After a tricky introduction to the wild, I worked tirelessly to help Roo become a wild squirrel. Roo is an amazing red squirrel - watched by thousands on Youtube, she really showed how affectionate, intelligent and resilient these animals can be. Roo is the inspiration behind one of the exciting rewards - a hoodie!

Sleeping Roo Hoodie 

This hoodie features an illustration by Juliana Lagerstedt, inspired by a photo of Roo, a red squirrel I hand-reared. The design captures Roo peacefully sleeping, surrounded by forest elements—pinecones, blueberries, and a chanterelle mushroom. With a roomy “Roo” pocket and relaxed fit (size down for less oversize), it’s made from certified organic cotton, printed in a UK renewable-energy factory, and shipped in recycled packaging.

Please order this reward by 20th November to guarantee arrival for Christmas. Tracked postage is included in the price. 

A closer look at the plot of land 

The plot of land that includes The Squirrel Forest is 25 acres (102,895 m2) and includes large area of cleared land that I’d like to rewild. Although I'm fundraising £25,000, the land is for sale for 430,000 SEK and I'll be funding the remaining £5700 myself, as well as costs of changing ownership.

Future project that will include planting a mix of nature trees and creating a wildflower meadow. This project doesn't end with the purchase of the forest! Once I have purchased the forest, I plan to set up a foundation to protect and preserve it for future generations. 

Thank you so much for your love and support. Of course, you do not have to donate if you can’t but please share the message on social media. You can download the image below to share.

Squirrelly wishes,

Dani