Where to see red squirrels: 7 woods for wildlife watching

Wondering where to see red squirrels in the UK? This adorable and iconic species can be something of a rare sight, as their numbers have fallen dramatically since the introduction of the non-native grey squirrel 150 years ago.

Spotting red squirrels can involve a bit of luck, but never fear, we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at some of the best places in the UK to see red squirrels.

1. America Wood, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an important stronghold for red squirrels, with the sea providing an effective barrier for those pesky greys. Located on the outskirts of Shanklin and boasting stunning views across Whiteley Bay, America Wood is largely oak forest and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Not only can you find red squirrels, but the woodland is also home to hazel dormice and badgers.

2. Parc Mawr, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales

Located in the foothills of the Carneddau Mountains at the northern tip of Eryri National Park, Parc Mawr is a spectacular mixed woodland with breathtaking views from the mountains to the coast. The best time to see red squirrels is in the morning or early evening, so if you’re still around at dusk, you might also spot some of the lesser horseshoe bats that inhabit the disused mineshafts in the wood, along with their greater horseshoe bat cousins.

3. Coed Cwr y Pwl, Anglesey, Wales

Red squirrels came close to being extinct on the Isle of Anglesey before successful conservation efforts helped to eradicate greys and restore the population of reds. Today, 60% of Welsh red squirrels can now be found on the island. A good place to see them is Coed Cwr y Pwl, a new native woodland just a mile from the coast and close to the village of Llanfaelog.

4. Ledmore & Migdale, Scottish Highlands

If you’re wondering where to see red squirrels in Scotland, Ledmore & Migdale could be a good place to start. This magical woodland is one of the largest owned by the Woodland Trust and is an absolute haven for wildlife. We reintroduced red squirrels here in 2019, and they can be spotted along with pine marten, red deer, osprey, otter, and if you’re really lucky, Scottish wildcat!

5. Aldouran Glen, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland

Located close to Stranraer and Loch Ryan, Aldouran Glen is a fairytale wood bursting with plant and animal life. Meaning 'Glen of the Otter', otters can occasionally be spotted in the stream, and you may also see badgers, roe deer and many kinds of birds. The best place to see red squirrels is from the wildlife hide, next to the wetland.

6. Glen Finglas, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

With mountains, lakes, rivers, woodlands, moorlands, hills and glens, the vast Glen Finglas estate is an epic landscape that has inspired poets, writers and artists throughout the centuries. A magnet for nature lovers, Glen Finglas is one of the best places in the UK to see red squirrels, along with plenty of other rare and endangered species, such as pine marten, osprey, golden eagle and black grouse.

7. Mourne Park, County Down, Northern Ireland

Set in the iconic landscape of the Mourne Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mourne Park is teeming with plants and wildlife and boasts panoramic views from Knockchree Mountain, shady riverside walks by the Whitewater River, and 180 acres of native ancient woodland. Efforts to boost red squirrel numbers have been a success, and you may be lucky enough to spot them leaping through the canopy of ancient Scots pine.

Top tips for red squirrel spotting

The best time to see red squirrels

The best time of year to see red squirrels is in the autumn, when they are busy stocking up on food for the winter. The best times of day are first thing in the morning or late afternoon into early evening, when it’s quieter.

Where are red squirrels found?

Look up! Red squirrels tend to stay up in the trees more than their grey cousins. Also, you can look for signs of their presence such as gnawed pine cones, scratch marks on tree bark, and nests known as dreys. Pine cone seeds falling on your head are a sure sign!

Shhh!

Red squirrels are rather shy, so stay as quiet as you can and use binoculars for a closer look, so as not to disturb them.

Best of luck with your red squirrel spotting!