David Dunlop (@lawt-d.bsky.social)

England Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy **By Katherine Walsh – Senior Environmental Specialist for terrestrial mammals within the Chief Scientist Directorate at Natural England** * * * _England's red squirrel is one of our most beloved native species, yet it has quietly disappeared from most of the country over the past century. In this post, we explore the key findings of the England Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy - a landmark piece of work led by the Zoological Society of London on behalf of Natural England - which sets out the causes behind the species' dramatic decline and, crucially, what it will take to reverse it. From the impact of the invasive grey squirrel to the promise of emerging conservation tools, the strategy offers a clear assessment of the choices ahead and the real possibility of bringing red squirrels back to England's woodlands._ * * * **Background** The red squirrel (_Sciurus vulgaris_) was once a common sight in woodlands across Great Britain. However, the species has now been lost from most of its former range. It is thought that this range contraction may be as much as 95% and in England they are confined to the North of the country with extant populations on islands such as the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour. The red squirrel is a protected but threatened species, listed as endangered on Britain's red list for terrestrial mammals (Mathews et al, 2020). The population estimate for England is 38,900 individuals (Mathews et al, 2018). Red squirrel feeding. Credit: Gary Bruce **Causes of Decline** There are several causes for the decline of the red squirrel. The introduction of the grey squirrel (_Sciurus carolinensis_) from the USA and Canada which began in 1876 and took place over several decades is a significant factor (Harris and Yalden, 2008). The grey squirrel outcompetes the red squirrel for food and habitat and spreads the squirrelpox virus to the red squirrels. This virus is fatal to the red squirrels but not the grey squirrel. Other factors for the decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to small, isolated populations which may lack genetic fitness. **Recovery Strategy** Following pilot workshops in 2020 it was agreed that a structured decision-making approach could set out steps to recover the red squirrel in England. This process was led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) who were commissioned by Natural England to produce the strategy with the support of the UK Squirrel Accord. A series of workshops and webinars were held with over 60 stakeholders to help determine the conditions under which recovery would be possible. A model was built to capture interactions which biologically and ecologically impact red squirrels that also factored in non-biological and social elements to their recovery. Red squirrel leaping. Credit: Gary Bruce **Recovery Strategy Outcomes** ZSL developed and evaluated 18 alternative recovery strategies, combining different approaches to grey squirrel management, red squirrel translocations, and emerging tools such as fertility control and a potential squirrelpox vaccine. These strategies were assessed at both regional and national scales to understand how different levels of ambition and coordination could shape future outcomes. Their analysis revealed that large-scale, coordinated suppression of grey squirrels across England offers the greatest potential for widespread red squirrel recovery, while also reducing the substantial ecological and economic damage caused by grey squirrel, estimated at around £37 million per annum in England and Wales. However, it’s the most expensive and has potential for the greatest welfare impacts. Encouragingly, more targeted regional strategies, particularly those combining localised grey squirrel management with red squirrel translocations, can achieve comparable outcomes for long-term persistence at a lower cost. These approaches may offer a more feasible pathway in the short term, especially where resources or public support are limited. In stark contrast, continuing with current levels of management is unlikely to be sufficient. Under a “do nothing” scenario, red squirrels are projected to disappear from mainland England within the next 25 years. The Red Squirrel Recovery Strategy report is now available on the Natural England Access to Evidence website. Red squirrel on a branch. Credit: Gary Bruce **Conclusion** Recovery of red squirrels in England remains within reach, but only through coordinated national action that carefully balances ecological effectiveness, economic costs, animal welfare, and public acceptance. By clarifying these trade-offs, this work provides a practical and evidence-based approach towards restoring one of England’s most iconic native species. https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/14/england-red-squirrel-recovery-strategy/