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The red squirrel is one of Britain's most threatened native mammals and one of the most reliably spotted in the Lake District. While the species has been largely displaced from England by the introduced grey squirrel, Cumbria remains one of its last significant strongholds in the country — a result of deliberate conservation work, the natural geography of the Lakes, and the particular character of the woodland here.
If you want to see a red squirrel in England, the Lake District is your best chance. This guide tells you where to look, when to go and what to expect.
The grey squirrel was introduced to Britain from North America in the 1870s. It is larger and more adaptable than the red squirrel, and it carries the squirrelpox virus — fatal to reds but harmless to greys — which spreads rapidly through any population where both species coexist. In most of England, this process has been playing out for a century, and the red squirrel has been displaced from most of its former range.
The Lake District has resisted this process better than most areas for two reasons. First, the topography: the Lakes are surrounded by relatively poor agricultural land and upland moorland that does not support grey squirrel populations well. The squirrels cannot easily cross these barriers, which has slowed the grey squirrel's advance. Second, active management: Cumbria has one of the most intensive red squirrel conservation programmes in Britain, involving trapping and culling of grey squirrels in designated red squirrel stronghold areas, and a network of feeding stations and supplementary feeding programmes.
Aira Force, Ullswater — the woodland around Aira Force waterfall is one of the more reliable spots in the Lake District. The National Trust manages the woodland partly with red squirrel conservation in mind, and sightings are reported regularly.
Grizedale Forest — between Coniston and Windermere, Grizedale has a longstanding red squirrel population and the Forestry England management includes active squirrel conservation. The visitor centre has information on recent sightings.
Tarn Hows — the mixed woodland around Tarn Hows supports red squirrels, and sightings at the bird feeders near the car park are not uncommon. Beatrix Potter's legacy includes red squirrel habitat management on the surrounding National Trust farms.
Whinlatter Forest — near Keswick, Whinlatter is England's only mountain forest and has a healthy red squirrel population. The visitor centre has a live squirrel camera during the active season.
Hawkshead — the woodland between Hawkshead and Near Sawrey is good red squirrel habitat, and sightings are reported in the grounds of Hill Top and the surrounding National Trust farmland.
Red squirrels are most active in the morning and late afternoon. They are present year-round but are most visible in autumn, when they are actively caching food, and in late winter and early spring, when food caches are running low and they need to forage more intensively.
They are least visible in summer, when food is abundant and they have less reason to come to the ground or to feeding stations. In full leaf, the woodland canopy also makes them harder to spot.
Red squirrels are noticeably smaller than grey squirrels, with a more rust-red to brown colouring that varies significantly between individuals and by season — winter coats are often considerably darker, with greyish tones on the back. The ear tufts are characteristic, particularly in winter when they are most pronounced. The tail is bushier and less uniformly grey than the grey squirrel's.
In movement, red squirrels are faster and more agile than greys, and spend more time in the upper canopy. You are more likely to hear the alarm chatter of a red squirrel than to see one approaching — listen for a rapid, high-pitched chattering from the trees.
Beatrix Potter was deeply aware of red squirrels — her 1903 book The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin features a red squirrel and was set on an island in the Lake District (St Herbert's Island on Derwentwater is the most plausible model). On our Beatrix Potter tours, your expert storyteller will explain the conservation context and the best spots to look on the route. Red squirrel sightings on tour are not guaranteed but are not uncommon.
Are red squirrels endangered?
In Britain, yes. The population is estimated at around 160,000, of which the majority are in Scotland. England's population is a small fraction of this, concentrated in Cumbria, Northumberland and the Isle of Wight.
Will I definitely see one in the Lake District?
Not guaranteed, but your chances are significantly better here than almost anywhere else in England. Early morning visits to Tarn Hows, Aira Force or Grizedale in autumn give you the best odds.
Can I feed them?
Please do not hand-feed wild red squirrels. Feeding stations managed by conservation organisations use specific feed mixes; well-meaning human food can cause problems. Observe from a distance.
Red squirrel habitat is part of the landscape on our Beatrix Potter Hidden Country and 8 Lakes Morning Tour. Your expert storyteller will point out the best spots on the route.