5 remaining locations to see endangered red squirrels in the UK

Red squirrels are sadly under threat, and experts warn that without public support, the mammals could face extinction in England.

The animals were recently named by The Mammal Society as being on the Red List of Britain's endangered mammals. It’s estimated that the population is less than 40,000 in England, all of which are only found in a small number of areas. The red squirrel population faces increasing pressure from habitat loss, competition for food with non-native grey squirrels, and the Squirrelpox virus which is fatal to red squirrels but can be carried by greys without causing them any harm.

The last remaining corners of England that red squirrels can be found have been named as the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island in the South, the Lake District and Northumberland in the North, and Formby on the Merseyside coast.

Red Squirrel Awareness Week 2020 - running from 21st to 27th September - aims to highlight the animals' plight and celebrate the wonderful work of volunteer groups, organisations and projects striving to save them - and encourage people to visit the few remaining areas where red squirrels can be observed and admired.

Rachael Cripps, Red Squirrel Project Officer at The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, shares her tips on the best way to increase your chances of seeing a red squirrel when visiting the conservation areas.

"When out in the woods, take the time to sit and listen," Rachael said. "When you are quiet you will often hear a squirrel before you see it – running up a tree trunk, munching on pine cone, the thud of eaten pine cone cores falling from the canopy or chattering loudly at your presence.Report sightings of reds and greys to your local Red Squirrel Group or become a volunteer. There are also plenty of opportunities from surveying to fundraising that will help."

With staycations being holidaymakers’ choice this year, many are looking to catch a glimpse of the rare native species with the late summer and autumn being the best time to spot them. Here are the stunning locations you can visit to support the red squirrels...