The UK is home to two species of squirrel; red squirrels and grey squirrels.

Red squirrels are our native species, and are estimated to have resided here for around 10,000 years.

It is thought that there is somewhere in the region of 140,000 red squirrels in the UK, and as low as 15,000 in England - an alarming number.

Grey squirrels were originally introduced to the UK from North America by the Victorians in the 1800s, and in contrast, the population stands at over 2.5 million.

Unfortunately, grey squirrels are not good news for our native reds. They carry a disease called Parapoxvirus, which does not appear to affect their health but often kills red squirrels. A greater population of grey squirrels, also means that they are consuming a vast proportion of green acorns, leaving red squirrels struggling to find a food source. A loss of woodland and an increase in road traffic are also threatening factors.

Sadly the red squirrel population is now restricted to certain areas of the UK, such as Anglesey, parts of northern England and Scotland, and it is thought that without intervention, the red squirrel could become extinct in England in just ten years time.

Why not come and visit Woodland Walk at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, and pay a visit to our three resident red squirrels?

Here’s just a few of the actions being taken by authorities to help save our red squirrels:

The Woodland Trust are working to develop longterm conservation strategies, such as improving habitat for red squirrels and planting trees to connect areas of woodland.

The RSPB are committed to providing a home for red squirrels on their own reserves, ensuring forest/habitat management whilst also monitoring populations.

The Red Squirrel Survival Trust is a national charity established to ensure the conservation and protection of populations in the UK, through protecting their environment, establishing new colonies, funding research and raising awareness.

Red Squirrel Appreciation Day

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