Read the Red Squirrel Conservation Strategy for NI 2022 -2032

Annexes to the Strategy

Red squirrels are one of our favourite native woodland animals. There is nothing quite like watching them scamper through the canopy and jump from tree to tree. Unfortunately, this is not a common sight in Northern Ireland as they have faced many challenges. Woodland loss and removal of suitable habitat, along with competition and disease from the introduction of their non-native grey cousin, have led to their severe decline. Luckily in Northern Ireland, they are starting to recover, owing to conservation action for the species, along with the spread of another woodland mammal, the pine marten. However, they aren’t out of the woods yet!

Ulster Wildlife has been working on red squirrel conservation for many years, alongside key stakeholders and volunteer groups. Red Squirrel Strategies have been developed for Scotland and Wales and highlight the evidence-based, long-term conservation actions needed to conserve this species. A strategy is also in development for England. This new conservation strategy for Northern Ireland will ensure that red squirrel conservation is a priority locally in the long term and identify the key actions to secure their future.

This Strategy has been developed by Ulster Wildlife, Katy Bell, Michael Stinson, Dr Joshua Twining, Dr Caroline Finlay, Dr David Everest (APHA), Jennifer Fulton and Dr Annika Clements, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum members and the UK Squirrel Accord. This has been developed through funding from the NIEA Environment Fund, the NIEA Challenge Fund and Garfield Weston.

The Strategy sets out clear aims, and actions to achieve those aims, which will need to be taken on board by a range of organisations in order to effectively implement this strategy.

The main aims of this strategy are:

1. Maintain red squirrels across their current range – with an emphasis on maintaining the key strongholds in NI.
2. Continue to support red squirrel recovery across their former range.
3. Seek removal of grey squirrels through pine marten recovery and strategic, best practice grey squirrel management.
4. Support appropriate woodland management and creation to support red squirrel conservation.

In order to achieve these aims, a number of actions are recommended, including surveys and monitoring, research, public support, awareness raising, grey squirrel management, disease control, and habitat restoration through Nature Recovery Networks.

Achievement of these aims and actions will be challenging and requires a coordinated approach. It is essential that local red squirrel conservation practice is based on as wide a collaborative effort as possible. Partnership within NI, as well as across the UK and on an All-Ireland basis is key.

Funding is also vital to ensure red squirrel conservation is a continued priority.

The future is looking positive for red squirrels in Northern Ireland, as long as we all work together.