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Alvestone Mead Nature Reserve

red squirrel spotting

5 places to see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a haven for red squirrels. They are smaller and more timid than their larger grey cousins who have slowly overtaken the native creatures since being introduced to the UK about 150 years ago.

The natural barrier provided by the Solent continues to allow the reds to thrive, and they are backed up by legal status as a protected species.

Nature lovers looking to spot a red squirrel should explore some of these beautiful woodlands and nature reserves.

red-squirrel climbing a tree
when and where to look

Helpful hints for spotting a red squirrel

  • To increase your chances of seeing a red squirrel, keep still and stay as quiet as possible. Squirrels tend to hide if they sense sound and movement so avoid times of day when there are lots of dog walkers or cyclists around.
  • Summer is a good time to see red squirrels, but they are visible all year as they don't hibernate. As mentioned earlier, you will have a better chance of seeing one at dawn and dusk when squirrels are more active.
  • You may want to carry a tree identification chart with you, as that can give some useful clues as to where the squirrels will be hiding.
  • In early summer, squirrels can often be found high up in Scots and Corsican pines, searching for pine cones. Later in summer, squirrels prefer hazel trees that are in fruit.
  • In autumn, red squirrels spend more time in beech and sweet chestnut trees whilst in winter they tend to spend more time on the ground.
  • It is vital that red squirrel habitats are left undisturbed, litter-free and that these precious creatures are observed from a distance.
woodland

What to do if you spot a red squirrel

If you are lucky enough to spot a red squirrel, you are encouraged to report the sighting to the Wight Squirrel Project. 

You will be asked where and when you saw the squirrel - so give as much detail as possible. Ideally, you should record a grid reference or longitude and latitude.

You will also need to record if the squirrel was an adult or a much smaller kitten. Full size adults tend to be about 21cm long.

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