Grey squirrels are a familiar sight for many people across large parts of the UK and are often seen in parks and gardens, whilst the range of our native red squirrels is now limited to certain areas of the UK, such as Anglesey, parts of northern England and Scotland. In many cases they have retreated to wilder, remote locations. Many scientific studies show that the introduction of the grey squirrel has been the major factor in the red squirrel's decline over the past century, through competition for food and shelter and infection through the squirrelpox virus (which grey squirrels can transmit to red squirrels). Once infected with squirrelpox, red squirrels often die of starvation of dehydration within 1-2 weeks. Although grey squirrels can carry squirrel pox, their health is not impacted. Unfortunately, without conservation management, red squirrels could become extinct in England in approximately 10 years. Time is really running out to save our red squirrels.

To preserve red squirrels, they must be kept apart from grey squirrels as the two species cannot live together long term.

Helping to establish new red colonies across the UK wherever feasible.