Grey Squirrels Encroaching on England’s Red Squirrel Sanctuaries, Survey Indicates

A recent study indicates that grey squirrels are encroaching upon England’s last remaining key habitats for red squirrels. Volunteers from the conservation organization Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) inspected 246 locations for their yearly squirrel assessment. They discovered that while red squirrel populations remained stable, grey squirrels now surpassed their numbers in both Cumbria and Northumberland. Abbie McQueen, a project officer for Red Squirrels Northern England, described the significant rise in grey squirrels as “concerning,” but added, “we hope it can help build a case for further funding in areas that need it.” The grey squirrel, originally from North America, is a larger and more aggressive species classified as an invasive non-native species. It carries a pox, which it is immune to, but which causes red squirrels to die slowly and painfully. In total, 246 sites underwent examination; red squirrels were identified in 52% of them, an increase from 50% in 2023. Conversely, grey squirrels were present in 69% of sites, marking a rise of 6.8% compared to the previous year. In Northumberland, the presence of grey squirrels was approximately 25% higher than that of red squirrels, and 17.3% higher in Cumbria. Ian Glendinning, chair of Northern Red Squirrels, which represents volunteer conservation groups, commented: “There is hope for reds with things like gene editing, contraception, but they are years away.” He further stated, “By the time we come to that stage, I think it’s highly unlikely we’ll have any red squirrels left in England.” The survey did contain some positive findings. In Northumberland’s Kielder Forest, more sites than ever before reported the presence of red squirrels, even with a rise in grey populations, and no grey squirrels were detected whatsoever at Kyloe Red Squirrel Reserve near Berwick. RSNE stated the findings indicated that “conservation intervention is paying off” but would welcome “more funding.” Ms McQueen further remarked: “We are not disheartened and we are so grateful to all those who work tirelessly to protect our red squirrels.” However, Mr Glendinning countered: “The reality is all we’re doing is slowing down the inevitable.” He concluded, “But I’ll keep going because I don’t want the last red squirrel where I live to die on my watch.”