Red squirrel rewilding
Red squirrels are an iconic Scottish species. But historic habitat loss and human persecution has brought this woodland-loving mammal to the brink of extinction. Today, the recovery of red squirrels remains under threat due to competition with non-native grey squirrels and the fatal ‘squirrel pox’ they carry.
The Scottish Highlands is the largest remaining stronghold for red squirrels in the UK, home to around 75% of the population. However, this has traditionally been confined to the central and eastern Highlands. Reds remain absent from much of their former range in the northwest Highlands – until now.
Trees for Life has been reintroducing red squirrels to the northwest Highlands since 2016. So far, we have translocated more than 200 squirrels to create 12 new populations in Shieldaig, Coulin, Plockton, Inverewe, Reraig, Attadale, Letterewe, Lochaline, Spinningdale, Golspie, Arisaig and Drimnin. The new populations are thriving and we expect them to eventually merge together.
We still have two more reintroductions planned. This will strengthen numbers and ensure this pioneering project remains a rewilding success story.
Aims
Create 14 new populations of red squirrel in the northwest Highlands
Ensure all potential reintroduction sites across the northwest have been investigated
Conduct a Highland-wide red squirrel survey to create a distribution map. Use this information to identify areas that could be linked and future potential reintroduction sites
Build lasting relationships with local communities, landowners and project partners
The 2024 Great Scottish Squirrel Survey
This autumn, take part in the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey from 30 September – 6 October, and help to protect our native red squirrels by reporting your sightings. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy being outside, and to keep your eyes peeled for our beautiful tufted and bushy red squirrels.
Working with
Our Red Squirrel Reintroduction project is being delivered in partnership with private landowners and communities across the northwest Highlands, Forestry and Land Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels and Scottish Wildlife Trust.
It has been made possible thanks to funding from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, European Outdoor Conservation Association (ECOA) and the Orp Foundation.
