Why is this important?

Squirrel sightings - both red and grey - are a key to the future survival of red squirrels. 

Sightings of red squirrels enable us to know where red squirrels are still present - both areas where they are thriving and where the population is under threat.  Regular sightings from an area points to a healthy population.  Occassional sightings may indicate a population under threat or it may show that there is no-one sending in their sightings.  Your sighting can make a difference.

Sightings of grey squirrels are vital for three reasons:-

1. So we can enable the control of the grey if it is advantageous to the red squirrels;
2. Where grey squirrels are controlled, we can monitor the presence of antibodies to the squirrel poxvirus; and
3. So we can monitor where greys are spreading to new areas which helps researchers provide advice on the best ways to protect the Red Squirrel Reserves.

Help us control the grey squirrel in and around the Red Squirrel Reserves by sending in your sightings.