Red Squirrel Comeback: Highland Range Expands 25% After 10-Year Rewilding Project
By Conservation Correspondent
The range of red squirrels in the Scottish Highlands has increased by more than 25% after a 10-year reintroduction project by rewilding charity Trees for Life.
Surveys show over a dozen new populations are now thriving and breeding successfully, with many spreading and linking up.
Trees for Life has relocated 259 red squirrels to 13 new northwest Highland sites where the species was previously missing.
Reds are now present as far north as Ullapool and Brora, on the northwest coast, at Morvern in the southwest, and across suitable habitat in the central Highlands up to Lairg.
“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,” said Trees for Life’s Becky Priestley.
The charity plans to expand the species’ range further through a new Missing Species Programme aimed at restoring four keystone animals.
Once close to extinction due to habitat loss and persecution, red squirrels still face threats from competing grey squirrels, which carry the fatal squirrel pox virus. During NatureScot-licensed reintroductions, small numbers of reds from healthy populations in Inverness-shire, Moray and Strathspey are moved to grey-free northern woods they couldn’t reach on their own.
This year, 12 squirrels were released from Letterfearn to Ratagan on the Glenelg peninsula, following seven the previous autumn. Scotland remains the stronghold for the UK’s 160,000–287,000 red squirrels, holding 80% of the population.
Before reintroductions, reds were absent from most of the north and northwest Highlands since the 1970s.
Surveys show the project has already boosted their range by more than 26%.
Strict welfare measures ensure only a few animals are taken from each donor site, with regular site rotation and health checks.
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Since 2015, new populations have been established in Shieldaig, Coulin, Plockton, Inverewe, Reraig, Attadale, Letterewe, Lochaline, Spinningdale, Golspie, Arisaig, Drimnin and Ratagan. Including earlier work by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, over 340 squirrels have been moved to 16 Highland sites since 2008.
“Our local community volunteers have been at the heart of this project,” said Priestley, highlighting their role in monitoring and supplementary feeding. A new Highland distribution map—drawing on citizen science data—is helping inform future restoration.
Reintroductions also support wider reforestation, as reds naturally plant trees by forgetting stored nuts.
Trees for Life recently announced a £3.6m Missing Species Programme focused on red squirrels, lynx, beavers and modern-day aurochs, backed by a £25,000 supporter appeal and funder outreach.
See treesforlife.org.uk/missing-species for more details.
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