Feeding red squirrels in Cumbria responsibly

Is it okay to feed red squirrels in your garden? 

Yes, feeding red squirrels is okay if it's done under under certain circumstances. There are situations where you should avoid feeding red squirrels too. Read on to find out more.

When might feeding red squirrels be helpful?

Feeding red squirrels during certain weather conditions and environments might help to sustain them: 

• During harsh weather, particularly winter or summer droughts, when natural food supplies are limited.
• In urban or suburban areas where natural habitat is fragmented or scarce.
• As part of an organised conservation effort; for example, Cumbria Wildlife Trust run occasional supplementary feeding and monitoring days.

Did you know that a female red squirrel must reach a certain weight to breed?

In the UK, female red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) must reach a minimum body weight of around 280–300 grams before they are able to come into oestrus and breed.

• Minimum breeding weight: approximately 280–300g
• Below ~300g: females typically do not enter oestrus and therefore do not breed.
• Heavier females have higher fertility so more likely to produce litters, and are more successful at rearing young.

This relationship between body weight and fertility is well established and closely linked to food availability and body condition, particularly over winter. In years or habitats with good seed crops, females reach breeding condition earlier and may have two litters per year whereas in poor years, breeding may be delayed or suppressed entirely.

When should you avoid feeding red squirrels?

There are situations where feeding red squirrels can increase risk to them, and you're not supposed to feed them:

• If grey squirrels are present

Grey squirrels can carry squirrelpox virus which is fatal to reds and is the most common cause of death in red squirrel populations. The virus can survive for several days in dry conditions and poses the highest risk from spring to early autumn.

• If feeding encourages tame or dependent behaviour

Red squirrels must remain wild to retain natural foraging and survival skills.

• When mother red squirrels are with their kits

Reduce feeding during this time to ensure essential generational skills such as foraging and caching are passed on naturally.

• If feeder placement encourages squirrels to cross roads to reach them

Road traffic is a significant cause of red squirrel mortality.

• If predators are frequently present

Stoats, birds of prey, owls, and domestic cats all pose threats to red squirrels. Avoid creating sites that increase vulnerability.

What food is safe for red squirrels in the UK?

Foods available in the wild are safe for red squirrels and therefore you should only provide a red squirrel with a natural, varied diet that mimics that.

Here's a list of the best types of food to feed red squirrels in your garden:

• Hazelnuts (in shell).
• Pine nuts, sweet chestnuts and sunflower seeds.
• Fresh apple, carrot, or even a bone for gnawing (a valuable calcium source)
• Coconut is a wonderful additive to a squirrel diet, with antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties; it’s a red squirrel superfood!
• Access to fresh clean water is important especially during summer.

What human foods are toxic to red squirrels?

Foods that should not be given to red squirrels are:

• Raisins, sultanas and sweet dried fruit.
• Peanuts (especially salted).
• Brazil nuts.
• All salty or processed human foods.

How to attract red squirrels with natural food using feeders

• Use a purpose-designed feeder with food placed at the back and an entrance hole of approx. 48 mm.
• If using flip top feeders, avoid heavy lids which may injure young squirrels’ fingers.
• If using squirrel or bird feeders, place a cage around the feeder to stop unwanted visitors accessing the food.

Why keeping feeders clean and well-positioned is important

It's important to follow proper hygiene practices when maintaining feeders as this significantly reduces disease risk to red squirrels, and feeder placement can have a positive impact on red squirrel mortality.

• Clean feeders daily with a pet-safe disinfectant (e.g. Virkon, Citrox).
• Position feeders high up so that they're away from open ground where raptors may hunt.
• Ensure squirrels have safe escape routes; dense canopy cover is ideal.

What can I do to attract red squirrels to my garden or outdoor space?

To make your backyard, garden or green space inviting to red squirrels:

• Plant native shrubs and trees that produce nuts and berries; hazel is an excellent choice.
• Keep pets away from squirrel areas wherever possible.
• Report sightings to your local red squirrel group to support population monitoring.
• Install nest boxes in quiet areas away from people and pets.

Help red squirrels thrive by being squirrel smart

Feeding can help red squirrels but only when done with care. Supplement natural foraging but don’t replace it. Each year, Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) conducts a comprehensive survey across northern England and southern Scotland.

The 2025 Spring Survey reported a further 10% decline in red squirrel numbers.

One of the greatest risks to red squirrels occurs in gardens:

• Hidden diseases spread via feeders.
• Squirrels travelling across roads to reach food.
• Increased exposure to predators.

Things you can do to help safeguard red squirrels visiting your garden or green space:

• Keep feeders clean and squirrel safe.
• Avoid encouraging road crossings.
• Plant native trees and shrubs.
• Report sightings to RSNE to support conservation work.

Let’s reduce avoidable risks and help protect Cumbria’s red squirrels. Be squirrel smart in your garden or green space.