Red squirrels are expanding across the Scottish Highlands. Building on the groundbreaking work of Roy Dennis and others, Trees for Life started its red squirrel reintroduction project in 2016. The project has national value as red squirrels are under threat throughout the UK. While Scotland remains a stronghold for reds, they had been absent from their former range in the north and northwest Highlands for several decades. However, as woodlands have recovered and expanded, so too has the case for returning these wonderful native mammals.
So far, more than 200 squirrels have been released at Shieldaig, Coulin, Plockton, Inverewe, Reraig, Attadale, Letterewe, Lochaline, Spinningdale, and Golspie. The project is now in its final phase, with four translocations planned for new parts of the north-west Highlands over the coming year. An attempted reintroduction to Arisaig this spring could not be completed due to very wet weather. It can take the squirrels a couple of days post translocation to build a drey, so for their health, we only release them in fair weather. But the good news is the reintroduction at Arisaig is still planned for the autumn.
And the other good news is that all our previously reintroduced squirrel populations are thriving! The reds are expanding and colonising areas of nearby woodland. They have been seen up to 17km from their original release sites. Woodland corridors help the spread of squirrels through the landscape and it is hoped that many of the reintroduced populations will link up. The Spinningdale and Golspie populations are doing well and are expected to join as squirrels move into forests south of Golspie. They are also spreading north, with a recent survey showing that red squirrels are now found in Uppat woods, south of Brora.
In addition to the reintroductions, we are currently carrying out a comprehensive Highland Squirrel Survey, which will help create an up-to-date map of red squirrels across the entire region. The survey began last year and uses both public sightings and feeding sign surveys. These will be used to create a map showing red squirrel presence or absence in 5km² quadrants across the Highlands. The survey will be completed in the next few months, with any additional new records of red squirrels encouraged.
The completed map will show the current distribution of red squirrels in the Highlands and show the impact of the reintroduction projects on the spread of the population. It will show areas where favourable habitat could be encouraged to link populations together. This new baseline data can then be used to help future red squirrel conservation projects.
If you live in the north west Highlands and have seen squirrel, you can get involved! Please report your sighting at: scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings/
Our Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project is made possible thanks to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) and Orp Foundation.