Cute Red Squirrel Alert!

The red squirrel (*Sciurus vulgaris*) is one of the UK’s most beloved native mammals, known for its vibrant reddish-brown fur, tufted ears, and bushy tail. Once abundant across the country, the red squirrel has faced significant population declines due to various pressures, making it a rare but cherished sight in most parts of the UK today. Here are some key aspects about this charming creature:

Appearance and Behavior

Fur and Size: Red squirrels have a characteristic reddish coat, although the shade can range from bright ginger to a more brownish hue, depending on the season and location. They have long ear tufts, especially noticeable in winter, and a bushy tail that helps them balance while navigating trees.

Diet: They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diet of seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and tree shoots. They are well known for their fondness for hazelnuts and will often hoard food in the autumn to help them through the winter.

Habitat: Red squirrels prefer mixed woodlands, particularly those dominated by conifer trees. They build nests called dreys, which are usually spherical constructions of twigs and leaves, located high in the trees.

Decline and Conservation Issues

Competition with Grey Squirrels: The introduction of the grey squirrel (*Sciurus carolinensis*) from North America in the late 19th century is the main reason for the red squirrel’s decline. Grey squirrels are larger, more adaptable, and can outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat.

Squirrelpox Virus: A significant threat to red squirrels is the squirrelpox virus, which is carried by grey squirrels. While grey squirrels are resistant to the virus, it is often fatal for reds, leading to significant population losses in areas where both species coexist.

Habitat Loss: Another major factor in the decline of red squirrels is habitat fragmentation and loss due to deforestation and human development. The red squirrel requires large areas of mature woodland to thrive, and the reduction of these spaces has had a profound impact on their numbers.

Current Range in the UK

Scotland: Scotland is currently home to about 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrel population. The dense coniferous forests provide a suitable habitat where they can avoid competition from grey squirrels, which prefer deciduous woodlands.

Northern England and Wales: Red squirrel populations still persist in small isolated pockets in places such as Northumberland, Cumbria (photos taken in Patterdale, Cumbria), and Anglesey. Conservation efforts have also helped maintain populations in these areas.

Islands and Isolated Areas: Some islands, like the Isle of Wight and parts of Anglesey, are grey-squirrel-free zones, which has allowed the red squirrel populations there to survive without competition.

Conservation Efforts

Habitat Management: Conservation organizations are working to manage woodlands in ways that favor red squirrels over greys. This includes promoting coniferous woodland habitats where reds are better suited.

Grey Squirrel Control: Control measures, such as trapping and culling of grey squirrels, are controversial but considered necessary by many conservationists to reduce competition and stop the spread of squirrelpox.

Community Projects: Several community-led conservation projects work to protect the red squirrel, with organizations like the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and the Wildlife Trusts leading efforts to educate the public and carry out practical conservation work.

Feeding Stations: In some areas, such as the Patterdale Estate, red squirrel feeding stations have been set up, which only allow access to the smaller red squirrels while excluding greys.

Cultural Significance

Red squirrels are often viewed as a symbol of the UK’s natural heritage and a reminder of the importance of protecting native wildlife. Their charming appearance and elusive nature make them a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, and spotting a red squirrel is often considered a special experience.

How You Can Help

If you’re interested in helping red squirrels in the UK:

Support Local Conservation Groups: Donations to or volunteering with red squirrel conservation groups can make a significant impact.

Report Sightings: Reporting sightings of both red and grey squirrels helps conservationists monitor populations and direct conservation efforts appropriately.

Promote Habitat: Planting trees and supporting habitat restoration projects, particularly those that favor red squirrels, can also help improve their chances of survival.  You can do this by volunteering at the Estate Patterdale where you help conserve the woodlands and fells of Cumbria.

In summary, the red squirrel is an iconic part of the UK’s wildlife, but its future remains uncertain without continued and targeted conservation efforts. With growing awareness and support, it is hoped that red squirrels can remain a thriving part of the UK’s ecosystems.