Photographing red squirrels in a small woodland in Cumbria is one of the most peaceful and rewarding wildlife experiences I’ve had. The stillness of the forest, interrupted only by the occasional rustling of leaves or distant bird calls, creates the perfect environment for observing these elusive creatures.

I usually arrive early in the morning, just after sunrise, when the air is crisp, and the light is soft. The woodland, though small, is a perfect habitat for red squirrels, with towering trees and plenty of food sources. It’s a spot I’ve come to know well, having spent many quiet hours waiting for that telltale flicker of red fur moving through the branches.

The squirrels in this part of Cumbria are relatively shy, and it takes patience to catch sight of them. I set up my camera in a discreet spot, staying as still as possible, listening to the forest around me. The first sign that a squirrel is near is often the rustling of leaves or the sound of claws on bark as they climb. I’ve learned to recognize the sound of their movement—a soft, almost rhythmic scampering that quickens as they dart from one branch to another.

Wild Red Squirrel in a Cumbrian Woodland
Taken: Nikon Z9 - 400mm f/2.8:TC

When one appears, it’s always a moment of excitement. Red squirrels are smaller and lighter than their grey cousins, and their russet fur glows in the early light. Their bushy tails, almost half their body length, are what often catch my eye first as they balance gracefully on tree limbs. I raise my camera carefully, making sure not to spook them, and track their movements through the viewfinder.

Photographing them isn’t easy—they’re constantly on the move, leaping between branches or scampering down trunks. I’ve missed more shots than I’ve captured, but that’s part of the thrill. The challenge is in catching them mid-leap, or when they pause briefly, perhaps to sniff the air or nibble on a pine cone.

One of my favorite moments is when a squirrel pauses, holding a nut between its paws, and glances in my direction, ears perked and eyes bright. It’s those moments of stillness, where the squirrel seems to be taking in its surroundings just as I am, that feel the most special. The light filtering through the trees adds a soft glow to the scene, highlighting the squirrel’s vibrant coat and delicate features.

I’ve found that in this small woodland, timing is everything. Late morning and afternoon can be quiet, as the squirrels retreat to their nests or deeper into the trees, but in the early hours, the forest is alive with their activity. It’s a dance of movement and color against the backdrop of autumn leaves or, in winter, the bare branches and frosty ground.

Each trip to this woodland in Cumbria feels like a new adventure. Some days, the squirrels are abundant, darting through the trees, while other days they remain hidden, leaving only traces of their presence—stripped pine cones or freshly dug caches of nuts. But whether I manage to capture a perfect shot or not, the experience of being out there, surrounded by nature, is always worth it.

Photographing red squirrels has taught me a lot about patience and observation. They may be small, but their personalities are big, and their presence in the forest brings the landscape to life in a way that’s hard to describe. Every time I return to that woodland, I’m reminded of why I love wildlife photography—it’s about more than just the pictures; it’s about those quiet, magical moments spent with nature.

My Story: Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels

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