Northern Ireland’s Red Squirrel numbers are on the rise, but let’s not go nuts…

By Sam Kennedy

Following the recent ‘Red Squirrel Awareness Week’, Northern Ireland is celebrating a remarkable, yet sadly uncommon wildlife success story. The red squirrel, the beloved and once widespread native species, has been making a recovery thanks to a combination of factors that have addressed its endangered status.

Red Squirrel Awareness Week, observed across Northern Ireland and the UK, is a yearly campaign aimed at increasing awareness and education around the red squirrel. Our native squirrels have been facing dire straits due to habitat loss, competition with invasive grey squirrels, and the deadly squirrelpox virus. Northern Ireland, in particular, witnessed a severe decline in red squirrel populations, making concerted conservation efforts more critical than ever.

One of the primary reasons behind the red squirrel’s endangerment in Northern Ireland has been the introduction and proliferation of grey squirrels. These non-native species of squirrel have outcompeted red squirrels for resources, especially in our native deciduous woodlands, and have been carriers of the deadly squirrelpox virus, which is lethal to the red squirrels but benign in the grey ones. As a result, the red squirrels have been pushed to the brink of extinction in several areas where they were once widespread.

One of the factors contributing to the recent rise in red squirrel population has seemingly been linked to another of our endangered species that is currently exhibiting its own bounce back in numbers. The recent increase in pine marten populations has played a crucial role in helping red squirrels recover. While pine martens are perhaps one of our lesser known native species, their elusive nature has allowed for them to help curtail the population of the red squirrels biggest competitor. Pine martens have been reported preying on the non-native grey squirrels, which unlike the native red, are unaccustomed to the presence of such predators. As their numbers rise, they have exerted a moderating effect on the invasive grey squirrel populations, allowing red squirrels to recover in areas where pine martens are present.

Another significant factor contributing to the resurgence of red squirrels is the deliberate reintroduction efforts. Castle Ward, a National Trust property situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, has been at the forefront of these initiatives. Here, red squirrels have been reintroduced to their natural habitat, marking a heartening step towards their recovery. The castle’s wooded estate provides an ideal environment for red squirrels, with ample woodland and abundant food sources. The project was initiated in collaboration with National Trust, Ulster Wildlife, the Castle Ward estate, and local volunteers.

The recent success can also be attributed to wider steps taken through collaboration between organisations such as Ulster Wildlife, Councils and local red squirrel groups – resulting in an increase in measures to safeguard the species, provide monitoring, and raise awareness. Castle Ward’s success demonstrates the potential for habitat restoration and carefully managed reintroduction programs, however it is also vitally important to protect and enrich their existing habitats across the country.

While the recovery of red squirrel populations in Northern Ireland is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, continued efforts are necessary to ensure their long-term survival. Conservationists are urging local councils, landowners, and communities to support initiatives that protect red squirrel habitats, further monitor pine marten populations, and continue to manage grey squirrel numbers. A recent report by The RSPB has ranked Northern Ireland as “the 12th worst out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss”. With many of our native species currently threatened it is crucial to protect those such as the red squirrel and continually strive to help our biodiversity bounce back.Red Squirrel Awareness Week has not only served to highlight the challenges facing these beloved creatures but also to underscore the progress being made in their conservation. The recent rise in red squirrel and pine marten numbers in Northern Ireland, exemplifies the resilience of nature when provided with the right conditions and support.

Ulster Wildlife has made a list on their website of the various regional red squirrel groups throughout Northern Ireland as well as information on the best places to spot red squirrels. These local groups have been instrumental in surveying, monitoring populations, and safeguarding the well-being of red squirrels. With many located throughout the country they are a great way to get outdoors and support our native wildlife. To find out how to join local red squirrel groups and the best areas to spot them, click the link below:

https://www.ulsterwildlife.org/red-squirrel-groups

Edited by Jo Hoffman