The Sedbergh Red Squirrel Group

squirrel, hills and woodland

How to Help Red Squirrels

squirrel sitting on a fence feeding

There are a number of very different things you can do to help us in our work of conserving red squirrels:–

Report sightings. We need to know where both red and grey squirrels are. By reporting sightings of squirrels (even if you are not sure which type they are) you are enabling us to keep tabs on local squirrel populations.

If you see any, please e–mail us at sedberghredsquirrels100@gmail.com, or call our Squirrel Phone on 07587–015465

Have a squirrel feeder. Feeding red squirrels not only helps them through lean times, it also allows you to monitor them and keep an eye out for any greys. Of course, it will also give you the pleasure of seeing these beautiful creatures on a regular basis.

A mixed diet is recommended – peanuts, hazel nuts, sunflower seeds, sweet chestnuts, pine nuts etc. (But never give them Brazil nuts as they are toxic to red squirrels). Fruits and carrots can also be added. Johnson and Jeff Squirrel Feed and Johnson and Jeff Monkey Nuts are available from Ryecroft's on Main Street, Sedbergh (Tel: 015396–20420). You can also buy squirrel food and feeders, on–line. See thebirdsbistro.co.uk.

Feeders should ideally be positioned 5 or 6 feet up a tree or close to a high wall, well off the ground to avoid cat issues.

squirrel at a feeding box

Make your garden squirrel friendly. You can help attract red squirrels to your garden by planting shrubs or trees that provide a natural food source. These include hazel, brambles, raspberry, dog rose, guelder rose, wild cherry, bird cherry, and crab apple. Provide some nice hiding places like rocks and logs – the latter will decay and provide fungi for the red squirrels to eat too.

Have a humane trap in your garden. We don't enjoy controlling grey squirrels, but it is clear that reds and greys cannot live together in the same area. One day it may be possible to vaccinate reds against the deadly squirrel pox carried by greys. Until then trapping greys is the only realistic option. If you do trap a grey, let us know and someone will come out and dispatch it for you, quickly and humanely.

Help with events. We give talks, organise fundraising events and set up stalls at events hosted by other community–based organisations. Come along and help – we can always use an extra pair of hands.

Put up a squirrel–aware 'Slow Down' sign. These are A4 size, and made of durable di–board, and are available from Mark and Jennie Christie at sedberghredsquirrels100@gmail.com.

Sponsor us and/or manage your land with squirrels in mind. We welcome sponsorship from the business community. We can also advise local farmers and landowners as to the best ways of helping red squirrels by means of small changes in land management.

Last but not least, become a member. You can become a member of the Sedbergh Red Squirrel Group for just £15 per year. Please e–mail membersedberghredsquirrels100@gmail.com.