Red Squirrels: Scotland's Woodland Gems

Red squirrels are one of Britain’s most beloved native species, and for wildlife enthusiasts, they represent the heart and soul of the forest. Their vibrant, russet coats and tufty ears make them an iconic sight, especially in Scotland, where they still thrive in ancient woodlands. As their numbers dwindle in other parts of the UK due to the spread of grey squirrels, Scotland has become one of the last strongholds of this charming and nimble species.

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

A Distinctive Native Species

The red squirrel (*Sciurus vulgaris*) is the only squirrel native to the UK, and they’re much smaller than their non-native counterparts, the grey squirrels. Their reddish-brown fur is their most obvious distinguishing feature, but their bushy tails and tufted ears, particularly in winter, make them stand out even more. These ear tufts grow thicker during the colder months, giving them a distinctive, almost whimsical appearance.

Red squirrels are highly agile, using their tails for balance as they leap between branches, and their sharp claws help them navigate the treetops with ease. In pine forests, especially, they seem to be in their element, darting along branches or spiralling up tree trunks with impressive speed.

Habitat and BEHAVIOR

Red squirrels are arboreal creatures, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, and their preference for coniferous forests makes Scotland’s pine and spruce woodlands ideal habitats. Unlike grey squirrels, which thrive in urban areas and deciduous woodlands, red squirrels are more reliant on mixed and coniferous forests, where they feed primarily on seeds from trees like Scots pine, Norway spruce, and larch.

Autumn is an especially busy time for red squirrels as they prepare for the winter. You can often spot them gathering cones, nuts, and seeds, storing them in caches for when food is scarce. Unlike grey squirrels, red squirrels don’t hibernate, so they rely on these hidden food stores to survive the cold months.

Their diet also includes fungi, berries, and even bird eggs on rare occasions, but pine seeds remain their favorite. As they peel back the scales of pine cones to access the seeds, they leave behind a telltale "core," a sign that a red squirrel has been feeding in the area.

Threats to Red Squirrels

Sadly, red squirrels are under significant threat, largely due to the introduction of grey squirrels from North America in the 19th century. Grey squirrels carry the squirrelpox virus, which is harmless to them but often fatal to red squirrels. In areas where greys have taken hold, red squirrel populations have plummeted.

Additionally, grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat, particularly in deciduous woodlands. This is one of the reasons Scotland remains such a vital refuge for reds, as its extensive coniferous forests offer them a sanctuary where greys are less likely to thrive.

Conservation Efforts

Fortunately, there has been a strong push to conserve and protect red squirrels, especially in Scotland. Organizations such as the *Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels* project work to monitor populations, prevent the spread of squirrelpox, and reduce grey squirrel numbers in key red squirrel habitats.

There are also several squirrel reserves, particularly in the Highlands and around areas like Aberdeenshire, where the habitat is carefully managed to support red squirrel populations. These efforts are beginning to show success, with some areas reporting an increase in red squirrel numbers.

Observing Red Squirrels in the Wild

For wildlife photographers and nature lovers, Scotland is one of the best places to observe red squirrels in their natural habitat. Areas like the Cairngorms National Park, Rothiemurchus Forest, and parts of Dumfries and Galloway are all fantastic spots to catch a glimpse of these elusive animals.

If you’re hoping to see or photograph them, here are a few tips:

1. Go early: Red squirrels are most active in the early morning, particularly just after sunrise, when the forest is still quiet and they’re busy foraging.

2. Be patient and still: Red squirrels are shy creatures and can be easily spooked. Find a quiet spot and wait for them to emerge.

3. Look for feeding signs: Keep an eye out for stripped pine cones on the forest floor or patches of disturbed soil where squirrels have been caching food.

4. Use a long lens: A telephoto lens is ideal for photographing red squirrels without disturbing them. They can move fast and often stay high in the trees, so having the right equipment can help capture close-up shots.

5. Visit a hide: There are several wildlife hides throughout Scotland that are specifically designed for red squirrel viewing and photography. These hides offer a comfortable vantage point where you can observe the squirrels without impacting their natural behaviour.

Why Red Squirrels Matter

Beyond their obvious charm, red squirrels play an important ecological role. As seed dispersers, they contribute to the health and regeneration of forests, particularly coniferous woodlands. By burying seeds and forgetting some of their caches, they inadvertently help new trees grow, supporting the long-term vitality of the ecosystem.

Moreover, red squirrels are a symbol of Scotland’s wild places—a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and conservation. Protecting them means preserving not just a single species but an entire web of life that depends on healthy forests.

Conclusion

The red squirrel is more than just a symbol of British wildlife; it’s a living reminder of our responsibility to protect the natural world. Scotland’s forests remain one of the last refuges for these beautiful creatures, and through ongoing conservation efforts, we can ensure they continue to thrive.

If you ever find yourself walking through a quiet pine forest in Scotland, take a moment to look up into the treetops. You might just catch a glimpse of a red squirrel darting through the branches—a sight that never fails to stir the soul.

Red Squirrels