Do you get red squirrels on the Isle of Wight?

The small and isolated but thriving population of 3,500 red squirrels on the Isle of Wight is very important. Although a British native, the red squirrel is an endangered species.

What Colour are the squirrels on the Isle of Wight?

With distinctive russet fur, tufted ears, and twitching tail, a native red squirrel is a captivating sight. The Isle of Wight is extremely lucky to have a thriving population of red squirrels. Historically red squirrels colonised the whole of the British Isles.

Why there are no grey squirrels on the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is an important stronghold as the Solent provides a barrier to grey squirrels. However a grey does find its way to the Island sometimes, so we need to be vigilant. There are contingency plans for dealing with greys that arrive on the Isle of Wight.

Where can I see red squirrels on Isle of Wight?

Where to find red squirrels on the Isle of Wight

• Osborne House.
• Robin Hill Country Park.
• The Garlic Farm.
• Borthwood Copse.
• Newport to Cowes Cycle Track.
• Shanklin Chine and Village.

What time of day is best to see red squirrels?

the morning
Squirrels are less active during the winter but they do not hibernate so this means that you have a reasonable chance of seeing red squirrels year-round and the best time of day to see them is the morning.

Where can you see red squirrels in the UK?

In England, red squirrels only survive on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, where there are no greys, on the Formby coast, and in the extensive pine forests of Northumberland and the Lake District. Things aren’t much better in Wales, although Anglesey has recently been declared grey squirrel free.

Where does the red squirrel trail start?

East Cowes
The route begins in East Cowes, where you can disembark the Red Funnel vehicle ferry and cross the floating bridge to get to Cowes.

Where can I see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight?

What do you do if you see a red squirrel?

Please let us know immediately if you see a red or a grey squirrel by reporting to one of our red squirrel groups. Red squirrel sightings help us gauge the health and location of our red squirrel populations. Grey sightings help us target control to protect the reds from disease and competition for food and habitat.

Where is the best place to see red squirrels?

Find out more. The main red squirrel strongholds are in Scotland (120,000 individuals) and in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (40,000). There is a smaller, recovering population in northern England, and a handful of fragmented local populations in Wales, Lancashire and Merseyside, and on the south coast.

How long is the Red Squirrel Trail Isle of Wight?

32 miles
The popular and scenic Red Squirrel Trail will take you through 32 miles of glorious Isle of Wight countryside, taking in woodland, farmland, estuaries and a stretch of the Island’s fantastic coastline.

Can you walk the red squirrel trail?

The trail takes in estuaries, woodland, farmland, downland, and a stretch of the Island’s fantastic coastline. The trail makes an ideal two or three day cycling tour taking time to take in the wildlife along the way and visit some of the many attractions, cafes and restaurants along and nearby the trail.

Should I report a red squirrel sighting?

Reporting a sighting of a squirrel, either red or grey, is the most useful thing you can do to help red squirrels.

What’s the best time of day to see red squirrels?

Squirrels do not hibernate but are less active on cold, wet or windy days. In deciduous woodland, bare winter branches make movement easier to spot. A bright morning after overnight snow is also a gift – keep an eye out for tracks on the ground and on snow-covered branches.

What do you do when you see a red squirrel?

Be patient. Some people are lucky enough to have red squirrels visit their gardens on a regular basis, but if like me you’re not one of them, wherever you choose to squirrel-watch you’ll have to be quiet and patient because red squirrels are notoriously shy animals. Record your sighting on our website!

Is Isle of Wight flat or hilly?

The South Wight is very hilly with plenty of chances to test out the strength of the first gear in your car but the Isle of Wight does not have a mountain. The highest point is at St Boniface (see map below), which is (according to a couple of sources) 241m high. According to Wikipedia, that makes it a Marilyn.

Are there red squirrels on the Isle of Wight?

Read published papers… Wight Squirrel Project Manager, Helen Butler MBE, is in the process of publishing her report after 30 years researching red squirrels on the Isle of Wight – the first parts are available here as pdfs. Here is a pdf of our latest newsletter to bring you up to date.

Can you help the Wight Squirrel Project support red squirrels?

The Wight Squirrel Project receives a good commission from all sales, so help us support red squirrels on the IOW and follow this link to order your cards: Leprosy was first diagnosed in red squirrels on the Isle of Wight in 2015. Visual signs to look for are unusual ear and skin lesions.

How do we research red squirrels?

Red squirrels are sensitive and can die of stress when caught or handled. Most research data comes from you, the general public – this is called ‘citizen science’ and is extremely valuable to our research, although of course trail cameras, hairtubes and woodland surveyors walking a transect is the ideal way to go about it!

What to do if you see a red squirrel with leprosy?

Leprosy was first diagnosed in red squirrels on the Isle of Wight in 2015. Visual signs to look for are unusual ear and skin lesions. If you see an infected, or dead squirrel, please report it to us as soon as possible.