New red squirrel conservation partnership brewed to perfection

Situated on the edge of the North Pennines, the family run brewery founded in 2006, is based in a former lead smelting mill that was once the industrial hub of the area.

The Brewery names its beers after local landmarks and wildlife in the North Pennines with names such as Golden Plover, Wagtail and Pennine Pale on the list.

Now, beer lovers will be able to order Red Squirrel Ale and with every glass raised, savour the fact that 10p from every beer sold will be spent on conserving the region’s iconic red squirrels that are now in serious decline.

The beer is 4% and brewed using all UK malt and hops and with some of the characteristics of the native red squirrel in mind. Red in colour the roasted malts lend a hint of nuttiness, traditional Goldings hops bring flavours of orange and hedgerow berries, blended with Harlequin hops to give it a light and zesty finish.

Red Squirrel Ale is available in cask, cans, bottles and eventually pubs across the north of England to both on and off trade customers.

Neil Thomas, Head Brewer at Allendale Brewery says: “We are fortunate enough to be based in one of the remaining habitats for red squirrels and we recognise how fragile that habitat is.

“Needless to say the Brewery is very proud to support Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s red squirrel conservation work, by doing what we know best and brewing a bespoke beer to help them, using all native British ingredients and hope that, in doing so, it will contribute to all of their hard work in protecting our native red squirrels.”

Mike Denbury, Red Squirrel Recovery Network Programme Manager says: “We are at a critical point in the recovery of red squirrels across the UK. With grey squirrels now firmly established in many areas of the UK, red squirrels are vulnerable to extinction and without our efforts could be lost in ten years.

“I am delighted that we will be working receiving support from the Brewery and the country’s beer drinkers as we continue with our conservation crusade to keep red squirrels sitting on the branches of the region’s trees.”