Red Squirrel Conservation and Welfare in the UK

Red squirrels face ongoing population pressure from grey squirrel competition and squirrelpox virus, raising both conservation and individual welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Red squirrels number fewer than 140,000 in the UK, mostly in northern England and Scotland
Grey squirrels carry squirrelpox virus which is lethal to reds but causes no symptoms in greys
Red squirrels are now regionally extinct across most of England and Wales
Grey squirrel competition depletes food resources, forcing reds into suboptimal habitat
Supplementary feeding stations can boost red squirrel survival through winter
Biosecurity at feeding stations is critical to prevent squirrelpox transmission
Conservation breeding programmes maintain genetic diversity for potential reintroductions
Hazel-rich woodland and conifer plantations provide preferred habitat

Welfare Considerations

Individual red squirrels experience welfare harms including starvation when outcompeted, fatal squirrelpox disease causing lesions and respiratory distress, and stress from territorial exclusion. Grey squirrel control programmes, while beneficial for red squirrel populations, must use humane methods. Supplementary feeding must be managed to avoid concentrating animals in ways that increase disease transmission risk.

What You Can Do

Support organisations like Red Squirrels Northern England and Scottish Wildlife Trust
Report red squirrel sightings to local recording groups to guide conservation
Plant hazel and other native trees to improve habitat connectivity
Never feed grey squirrels in red squirrel areas - this supports competitor populations
Advocate for humane, targeted grey squirrel management where reds are present