Red Squirrel

Background

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) used to be Britain's only wild squirrel. It was once a common sight right across the country, but is now confined increasingly to offshore islands such as the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island (in Poole Harbour) and Anglesey; as well as pine forests and plantations mostly in the west and in Scotland. This is because of the thoughtless release of the grey squirrel in the 19th century.

The grey squirrel is not only better adapted to broadleaved woodland, it is larger and more aggressive, and carries diseases; forcing red squirrels to retreat further and further into coniferous woodlands (into which greys are now increasingly spreading), such that now their extinction in Britain is a real possibility.

Against this backdrop, the PCT was approached to seek its participation in a project to raise the profile of the plight of red squirrels and to act as a centre for the breeding of red squirrels for release, to reinforce the declining populations on offshore islands, such as Anglesey.

The role of the PCT

The role of the PCT in this project is primarily raise the profile of the red squirrel and to engage the community in is conservation. In one of the lakes at Pensthorpe, 'Squirrel Island' has been created, where red squirrels can be seen in semi-natural habitat by visitors, but protected from grey squirrels by intervening open water. In addition to this, the PCT sends surplus animals to Anglesey each year, where they are released into the wild as part of a coordinated effort to reinforce the declining local population. Some of the most frequently asked questions about red squirrels are:

Grey squirrels in North America live quite happily alongside several other squirrel species, why not here?

In North America, grey squirrels co-evolved with other species of squirrels and forests are far richer in tree species (and their nuts/cones), so natural selection has prepared squirrel species there for competition, whereas our red squirrel has no evolutionary experience or competitive adaptations to rely on.

What are the chances of the red squirrel surviving?

Not good - unless we intervene, at the current rate of decline, the red squirrel could just be memory in the wild in Britain in 20 years. Active protection of its last few refuges and management of these populations is therefore essential.

Is there anywhere else that the grey squirrel has been released?

Unfortunately yes! In Italy, grey squirrels are now spreading in the north and in South Africa there is a population near Cape Town. Although the Cape Town population does not (yet) seem to be posing a threat, the Italian population has the potential to wipe out the red squirrel right across continental Europe.

What can we do to help?

By visiting Pensthorpe, you will be contributing to the conservation of red squirrels and supporting a team of practical people who are committed to ensuring their survival in the wild in Britain. You can also report any sightings of grey squirrels in critical locations such as the Isle of Wight, Anglesey and Brownsea Island. By lobbying your MEP you can also help ensure that the Italian population of grey squirrels is eliminated, whilst this is still feasible.