Red Squirrels Expand Across the Scottish Highlands After Reintroduction Effort

Red squirrels have increased their range across the Scottish Highlands by more than 25% following a decade-long reintroduction programme that has helped hundreds of animals return to suitable woodland habitats.

Once Driven to the Brink of Extinction

Red squirrels were once widespread across Britain but came close to extinction after large-scale habitat destruction and culling by foresters who viewed them as pests. Their recovery has also been severely hampered by squirrel pox, a deadly virus carried by invasive grey squirrels.

Scotland is now the heartland for red squirrels, supporting around 80% of the UK’s estimated population of 200,000. A project led by the rewilding charity Trees for Life has established more than a dozen thriving new populations across the Highlands, including sites near Ullapool, Morvern and Lairg.

Carefully Planned Reintroductions Restore Lost Populations

Each licensed reintroduction involves relocating small numbers of squirrels from healthy populations in Inverness-shire, Moray and Strathspey to woodlands in the north and north-west Highlands. These areas remain free from grey squirrels but are difficult for reds to reach naturally, as they avoid crossing open ground.

Before being moved, the squirrels undergo health checks, and animals are sourced from multiple donor areas to protect genetic diversity. After release, they receive supplementary feeding for several months to help them settle into their new habitats.

Before the reintroduction programme began, red squirrels were missing from much of their former range in the north and north-west Highlands. In many areas, the last confirmed sightings dated back to the 1970s.

Red Squirrels Support Forest Recovery

Conservationists say restoring red squirrels could also help woodlands naturally expand. The animals play a role in tree regeneration by burying nuts and seeds for winter and failing to recover all of them, allowing new trees to grow.

Becky Priestley, a project manager at Trees for Life, said: “This rewilding success story is offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland’s much-loved red squirrels, and shows how we can make a real and positive difference to our native wildlife.”

Trees for Life plans to continue expanding the red squirrel’s range as part of its Missing Species programme. The initiative also aims to restore key native animals to the Highlands, including beavers, lynx and a modern-day equivalent of the aurochs, the original wild cattle.

Tackling the Threat from Grey Squirrels

Research into controlling grey squirrel numbers is ongoing. In September, the Animal and Plant Health Agency reported progress on an oral contraceptive that has shown promise in limiting grey squirrel populations, with further refinements underway.

While conservationists warned in 2024 that squirrel pox could devastate red squirrel populations in England, an isolated group of around 3,500 animals continues to thrive on the Isle of Wight, offering hope that targeted protection and habitat management can secure the species’ future.

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At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.