Good news about red squirrel numbers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has been shared to mark the upcoming Red Squirrel Awareness Week.

Feedback from many volunteer groups across the three countries confirms that numbers remain stable and that, in most areas, the 2023 breeding season was successful.  

Across the UK there are an estimated 280,000 red squirrels, compared to 2.7 million non-native greys. The estimated red squirrel population in England is 29,500.

Vanessa Fawcett, campaign director of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, said: “We have a growing band of volunteers who work tirelessly to help our only native squirrel, and their efforts are starting to show signs of success.

“We continue to face an uphill battle against the grey squirrels, many of which carry a pox that is harmless to them but fatal to the reds. It is, however, delightful to be able to report positive news.  

“We are slowly moving towards a grey squirrel fertility control programme that, when fully launched, will see their numbers naturally decrease, allowing reds to recolonise their former territories, currently occupied by greys. 

"Small, controlled trials are currently underway in England and early reports are positive.”

Red Squirrel Awareness Week is from Monday, October 2 – Sunday, October 8.