Red Squirrels are a species that a lot of us in the UK are familiar with. They used to be widespread, but due to habitat loss and competition with greys, their distribution is now much more restricted.
Luckily, though, red squirrels are not just confined to one region in the UK; they have strongholds and small isolated populations and conservation projects that help to protect them and restore populations.
So where do red squirrels live? Scotland is a good area for them, as well as the Lake District and Northumberland, and Powys in Wales, where their small population can thrive in protected areas, safer from grey squirrels than anywhere else.
Where do Red Squirrels Live in the UK?
Scotland is the biggest stronghold for red squirrels. It boasts around 75% of the UK’s red squirrel population across a few different sites. Fortunately, Scotland has extensive woodland areas to provide some of the habitats that the red squirrels need, and a lot of these areas have remained unchanged for a long time, which sadly isn’t the case for locations in England and Wales.
Northern England, in places like Northumberland, Cumbria and the Lake District and parts of North Yorkshire, has also been holding steady populations in designated safe areas for several years.
Wales also has a good stronghold in isolated areas, like the Isle of Anglesey and Powys. Part of the conservation effort on Anglesey has included keeping the island free from the grey squirrels, to help create a safer environment for the reds. This is important because greys can transmit squirrelpox, which is particularly deadly for reds, and compete for food and resources.
The South of England also has small populations on the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island and Formby, supposedly with the help of the sea keeping greys away.
Why are Red Squirrels Found in These Particular Places?
Red Squirrels can live in different types of woodland here in the UK, including coniferous, broadleaved and mixed woodland. After the introduction of the grey squirrel, red squirrel numbers began to fall dramatically in England and Wales until they had virtually disappeared from the countryside. They compete for food and habitat, and greys also carry a squirrelpox virus which can be devastating to the population of red squirrels.
Naturally, the red squirrels found safety in isolated areas, which is why parts of Wales and Scotland are ideal for them. These areas can now be managed to control the grey population and help the reds survive.
What Kind of Habitat Do Red Squirrels Need?
Red Squirrels need woodland because much of their lives are spent in particular trees and the food they provide. Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, shoots, bark, and even fungi and lichen. You probably have a classic image in your head of a red squirrel crunching on something, using its cute, dextrous paws to hold it to its mouth.
They store food away for periods when food is harder to find, while not actually hibernating during the colder months. This can often be seen if you find a nut tree growing in an odd place; it could be that it came from a forgotten squirrel stash.
Red squirrels build nests called dreys, a rough ball-shaped nest made from twigs, leaves, moss and anything else they come across to make it cosy. They are usually high up in the trees and cleverly placed where a tree forks to add more support.
They can actually have summer and winter homes to account for more protection in the colder months and more exposure to the air during the summer.
Do Red Squirrels Hibernate?
No, red squirrels do not hibernate and remain active through the winter. They prepare for this time by collecting and storing food, burying seeds and nuts in caches. When the weather is cold and unpleasant, though, they do spend more time sheltering inside.
How Can You Help Red Squirrels?
You know we love to talk about how you can help hedgehogs in your own garden, but red squirrel help is a bit different. It’s very unlikely you would have a red squirrel anywhere close unless you lived directly in one of the safe areas for red squirrel populations.
The best way to actually help the conservation work and the species is to support the reputable organisations doing it, like the Wildlife Trusts. If you do see a red squirrel, always report the sighting to local groups and learn to recognise the signs of red squirrels if you are in a close area.
A Little Red Squirrel Story
Red Squirrels are a big part of my collections at Tahlia Paige; they were the second animal I ever included after the hedgehog, because to me, they represent a very real decline in our local wildlife. I feel similarly about hedgehogs, where a once widespread creature slowly starts disappearing, and it's noticeable. It’s also not all down to us; a lot of species are threatened because of habitat loss or some man-made issue, but with grey squirrels, the reds also have a deadly virus to contend with and very much need these supported areas to aid their survival.
We partner with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales to support red squirrel conservation, and every time you buy a red squirrel product from us, we donate 5% of the profits.
See the whole collection here, or visit the WTSWW website to learn more about squirrel conservation and why we should all do our bit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Squirrels in the UK
1. Where do red squirrels live in the UK?
Red squirrels can still be found in parts of Scotland, northern England and Wales, as well as several small isolated populations in southern England. Important areas include Scotland, Northumberland, Cumbria, the Lake District, North Yorkshire, Anglesey, Powys, the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island and Formby.
2. Where are red squirrels most common in the UK?
Scotland is the biggest stronghold for red squirrels, with around 75% of the UK's population found there. Scotland's extensive woodland provides suitable habitat across several different areas.
3. Do red squirrels live in Wales?
Yes, red squirrels live in isolated areas of Wales, including Anglesey and Powys. Conservation work in these areas helps protect the remaining populations and provides safer habitats away from grey squirrels.
4. Do red squirrels live in England?
Yes. Red squirrels can still be found in parts of northern England, including Northumberland, Cumbria, the Lake District and parts of North Yorkshire. There are also isolated populations further south on the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island and at Formby.
5. Why are red squirrels only found in certain parts of the UK?
Red squirrels have declined significantly because of habitat loss, competition with grey squirrels and the spread of squirrelpox virus. Their remaining populations are often found in isolated areas where conservation work can help control threats from grey squirrels and protect suitable woodland habitat.
6. What type of habitat do red squirrels need?
Red squirrels live in woodland, including coniferous, broadleaved and mixed woodland. They rely on trees for food and shelter, eating seeds, nuts, shoots, bark, fungi and lichen.
7. Where do red squirrels sleep?
Red squirrels sleep in nests called dreys, which are usually built high in trees. Dreys are roughly ball-shaped and can be made from twigs, leaves, moss and other natural materials. Red squirrels may have different dreys for summer and winter, with their winter homes providing more protection from cold weather.
8. Do red squirrels hibernate in winter?
No, red squirrels do not hibernate. They remain active throughout winter and prepare by collecting and storing food in caches. During particularly cold or unpleasant weather, they can spend more time sheltering inside their dreys.
9. Why are grey squirrels a problem for red squirrels?
Grey squirrels compete with red squirrels for food and habitat, and they can also carry squirrelpox virus. The virus can be particularly devastating to red squirrel populations, which is why controlling grey squirrel populations is an important part of conservation work in some red squirrel strongholds.
10. How can I help red squirrel conservation?
Supporting reputable organisations involved in red squirrel conservation is one way to help. If you live in or visit an area where red squirrels are found, you can also learn to recognise signs of their presence and report sightings to local conservation groups. Supporting conservation projects helps protect the remaining populations and their habitats.
