The Red Squirrel is Britain’s only native squirrel. Its population has declined over the last 50 years and it is thought that this is due to the introduction of the Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) from North America in the late nineteenth century. The loss and fragmentation of available habitat and disease are also thought to be factors in its decline.

The preferred habitat of the Red Squirrel is woodland with a high proportion of coniferous trees. In Europe it occupies woodlands, gardens and parks but in the UK it is primarily confined to the conifer forests of Scotland and parts of northern England and Wales.

Red Squirrels feed on a mixture of pine seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They build nests called ‘dreys’ out of sticks and moss, which are placed high up in the forest canopy. A Red Squirrel can produce two litters of 3-4 kittens each year, normally in March and July. The life expectancy of a Red Squirrel is approximately 6 years. They are diurnal and spend most of this time foraging. Bad weather can seriously hamper foraging activity and with no food, squirrels may only survive for a few days.

The introduction of the Grey Squirrel from North America is thought to have had a drastic effect on the population numbers of Red Squirrels through competition for nest sites, food and space. Other causes of Red Squirrel decline include reduction and fragmentation of suitable habitat. Disease is also thought to be an important factor in decreasing populations. The Parapox virus occurs naturally in Red Squirrel populations and may be fatal to them, however it is carried by Grey Squirrels with no adverse affects which means they act as vectors for disease transmission.


The Red Squirrel is protected under Schedules 5 & 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and is protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, which makes it an offence to:

intentionally kill, injure or take a Red Squirrel;

possess live or dead animals or any parts thereof;

intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any place used for shelter or protection by a Red Squirrel or to disturb a Red Squirrel whilst it is using such a place;

sell, offer for sale, possess or transport for the purpose of sale any live or dead animal or part thereof. A Species Action Plan (SAP) has been produced as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to reverse the decline of Red Squirrel populations.

When considering planning applications, the authorities are required by law to take account of protected species and the conservation of habitats. A detailed ecological survey is usually required before planning permission can be granted.


There are four main survey techniques used to determine the presence or absence of Red Squirrels:

Visual Surveys

Hair Tube Surveys

Drey Counts

Squirrel Feeding Transects

These methods provide presence/absence data for squirrels and in some cases an estimate of population levels can be made. However, only the visual surveys or hair tube surveys can distinguish between Red and Grey Squirrels; so in areas occupied by both species, one or other of these methods must be employed. Visual surveys usually provide the simplest and most cost-effective method. They are carried out at dawn, when squirrels are most active, and can be undertaken at any time of year except in adverse weather conditions (rain and/or wind).


A licence will be required for any activity that has the potential to kill, injure, take or sell a Red Squirrel; to damage, destroy or obstruct access to its place of shelter; or to disturb a Red Squirrel while it is using such a place.