Red squirrels project

Image of a Red squirrel running along a tree branch. Copyright Luke Massey/2020VISION

Red squirrel © Luke Massey/2020VISION

Red squirrel conservation

What is the main threat to the UK's native Red squirrel population?

Red squirrels, at one time, could be found all over Great Britain, but can now only be seen in wooded areas throughout the north of England, western Wales and in many parts of Scotland. Red squirrels also found on Anglesey, the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island and in Thetford Forest in Norfolk.

Squirrel pox has decimated red squirrels

The non-native grey squirrel was introduced to England in the late 1870s from America and is the primary cause of decline of the red squirrel. Red squirrels have been found in England since the end of the last Ice Age and are part of our native fauna.

It does so by out-competing red squirrels for food in deciduous and mixed woodlands and by transmitting a disease ‘squirrelpox’, the squirrel Parapoxvirus, which is lethal to red squirrels.

Surveys show conservation work by volunteers has kept red squirrel numbers stable across the north of England since 2012. Saving our native red squirrel is relentless and long term, can you help? Please click here to join others who are already supporting our work for Cumbria's wildlife & wildplaces including our red squirrel conservation work

 Get the squirrel sightings Survey123 app

You can help red squirrels by reporting your squirrel sightings

Record your squirrel sightings on the go! 

The squirrel sightings Survey123 app will detect the location for you automatically and you'll have a historical record/map of all your sightings collected,

A red squirrel standing on a tree branch

Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) on scots pine bough, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. - Peter Cairns/2020VISION

Report a red squirrel sighting

If you see a red squirrel, please inform Red Squirrels Northern England by clicking on the button below. Your sightings are very valuable in monitoring their locations.

I want to report a red squirrel sighting

grey squirrel on grass copyright Rachel Bigsby

© Rachel Bigsby

Report a grey squirrel sighting

The non-native grey squirrel was introduced to England in the late 1870s from America and is the primary cause of decline of the red squirrel. 

It does so by out-competing red squirrels for food in deciduous and mixed woodlands and by transmitting a disease ‘squirrelpox’, the squirrel Parapoxvirus, which is lethal to red squirrels. Report your grey squirrel sighting by clicking the button below.

I want to report a grey squirrel sighting

Sign up for your free 'Great Places to See Red Squirrels in Cumbria' guide

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Why do red squirrels matter?

The plight of the red squirrel is recognised in local, regional, national and international conservation policies. It is afforded the highest level of protection under UK law: the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Made eternally popular through Beatrix Potter character Squirrel Nutkin, children and adults across the UK are familiar with the cheeky nature of the animals.

Sadly, red squirrels have suffered severe population decline across the UK. Here in northern England though, evidence is starting to suggest that, through the commitment and dedication of conservation groups, red squirrel range is being maintained.

By working together we can ensure that one of our most-loved iconic species is known to future generations.

Image of Red squirrels northern england logo
A multi-partner project

Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE)

Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) is a multi-partner project working to conserve red squirrels in northern England. Cumbria Wildlife Trust is an RSNE partner, along with other organisations including Natural England, Red Squirrel Survival Trust and the Forestry Commission.

Visit the Red Squirrels Northern England website to learn more

Local voluntary red squirrel groups in Cumbria

Cumbria has 14 red squirrel groups covering most of the county – these are made up entirely of volunteers. The groups are dedicated to conserving Cumbria’s red squirrels and work closely with RSNE - without their support, conserving Cumbria’s red squirrels would not be possible.

Contact your nearest red squirrel group to find out how you can help them protect the red squirrels in your area.

There are many ways to make a difference, including practical conservation work, fundraising, events and much more. Each group is independent and will have its own requirements for the volunteer help it needs.

I want to volunteer with my local red squirrel group

Volunteer with your local voluntary red squirrel group - Why not get involved with a variety of tasks from surveying and practical work to marketing and events to support red squirrels in your area?

Map - Red squirrel local voluntary groups in Cumbria

Map of Red squirrel local voluntary groups in Cumbria

You can find your nearest local voluntary red squirrel group by visiting the website of their umbrella organisation, Northern Red Squirrels.

Looking for red squirrels in Cumbria

If you're walking in woodlands in Cumbria keep your eyes peeled for both red and grey squirrels.

It’s quite easy to tell them apart – but don't rely on the coat colour.

The reds are considerably smaller and often have long tufts to their ears. Greys always have small, rounded ears and have white hairs along the edge of the tail, giving the tail a halo. 

Where you're likely to spot a red squirrel

Argill Woods Nature Reserve, near Brough

This steep-sided wooded valley with waterfalls and pools is an undisturbed wild place. Red squirrels have recolonised the area, and are thriving following a successful programme of grey squirrel removal. 

Augill Pasture Nature Reserve, near Brough

Around the remains of old lead smelt mills, species rich grasslands contain a huge variety of different meadow flowers such as orchids, melancholy thistle and devil's-bit scabious.

Bowber Head Farm Nature Reserve

This traditional small-holding is home to one of the rarest and most threatened wildlife habitats in Cumbria: northern upland hay meadows.

Clints Quarry Nature Reserve, near Egremont

A fascinating place not only for wildlife but also for geology and industrial archaeology.

Quarry Banks Nature Reserve, near Cumwhinton

Quarry Banks Allan Wilson Memorial Reserve is a peaceful nature reserve and in spring the woodland is carpeted with flowers and the air is full of bird song. 

Smardale Nature Reserve, near Kirkby Stephen

Stunning scenery surrounds the steep wooded slopes of Smardale Gill. Red squirrels can be seen racing between the trees. Only 10 years ago, reds were almost extinct here following an influx of greys. Thankfully reds are now once again thriving.  

Wreay Woods Nature Reserve, near Carlisle

Wreay Woods is a diverse woodland that follows the course of the River Petteril.

red squirrel Range map of Cumbria as of 041021
View of red squirrel on squirrel web cam at Bowber Head Farm nature reserve
Wildlife webcam

Red squirrel

This red squirrel cam is near our Bowber Head Farm Nature Reserve. It gives you a glimpse into the lives of red squirrels and allows you to watch these animals feed and play.

Watch squirrel cam