Travellers Visit UK to Spot Red Squirrels

The red squirrel is native to Britain, but its future is increasingly uncertain as the introduced American grey squirrel expands its range across the mainland. There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5 million greys. The Forestry Commission is working with partners in projects across Britain to develop a long-term conservation strategy that deters greys and encourages reds.

Now a study of 300 woodlands ¬visited over three months in the north of England has shown the number of reds had risen by seven per cent ¬compared with spring last year, thanks to conservation efforts. Among places to which reds have returned are Ambleside and Rydal in Cumbria, where they have been spotted for the first time in a decade. These creatures now contributes to boost UK tourism. Travellers have show great interest to visit places where they could be spotted.

The main threats to the survival of the reds are the increasing number of grey squirrels, disease (squirrel poxvirus) and road traffic. Greys can feed more efficiently in broadleaved woodlands and can survive at densities of up to 8 per hectare. The density of reds is up to 1 per hectare in broadleaved woodland but can be as low as 0.1 per hectare in coniferous woodland. The main predators of red squirrels are birds of prey, such as goshawks and pine marten. In some urban areas, such as Jersey, domestic cats are also a threat when squirrels go into gardens to feed.