The monitoring programme is the only scientific evidence base that helps measure whether the collective red squirrel conservation effort is making a difference in the north of England.

Each year the programme aims to survey around 250 sites and involved a huge 150 people in 2023. Without the help of all those involved, completion of the survey would simply not be possible.

Overall results show that red squirrels were found in 50% of sites this year, down from 53.2% in 2022.

On the other hand, grey squirrels were found in 62.3% of sites, an increase of 5.3% compared to last year.

In Northumberland, specifically, grey detection continues to be around 20% higher than red detection in Northumberland which is a similar result to last year.

Certain areas have yielded good results for our native species such as in Northumberland National Park, where red squirrel detection remains slightly higher than grey.

Kyloe red squirrel reserve is also a key area for red squirrels thanks to conservation efforts from the Save Our Squirrels Berwick volunteer group. Surveys conducted within the reserve itself found only reds present.

This year in Northumberland there was an increase in surveys finding both red and grey squirrels, in contrast to last year where there was a reduction in sites with squirrels present. It was thought this reduction could be due to storm Arwen causing displacement of populations, and the 2023 results suggest they may be returning.

For the first time since beginning the annual monitoring programme grey squirrel detection in Cumbria was higher than red detection by 9.6%. This may seem disconcerting, however there were 20 sites with historical red squirrel occupancy not surveyed. If they were surveyed, and reds were present, overall red squirrel occupancy would be significantly higher.

Despite the overall result, red squirrels are still doing very well in the north Lakes stronghold and red detection is still higher than grey in the Lake District National Park. With continued conservation effort it is hoped red squirrels will continue to thrive throughout Cumbria.

It is thanks to the huge amount of hard work and effort from community volunteer groups across Cumbria that we are still able to experience red squirrels locally.

It is thanks to the huge amount of hard work and effort from community volunteer groups across Northumberland that we are still able to experience red squirrels locally.

It is worth noting that there was a decrease in the number of sites with historical red squirrel presence being surveyed this year. If they were surveyed, red occupancy may be significantly higher.

Although these were not the results that were hoped for, they really highlight the need for further conservation funding to support efforts throughout northern England, along with increased survey coverage next spring to gain more representative results.

RSNE once again owes a huge debt of thanks to all of the groups, volunteers, landowners and other organisations who make the survey possible.

The results of this survey show just how important it is that communities continue to cherish and protect their red squirrels. Without the consistent dedication and effort invested in red squirrel conservation by volunteers, rangers, landowners and other stakeholders, reds would not still be seen across such a large range in northern England.

Abbie McCourt, Red Squirrels Northern England Project Officer says:

“Each year we eagerly await the results of our spring monitoring programme which are integral for helping us see the impact of our collective conservation efforts. The substantial increase in grey squirrel presence this year is concerning, however we are not disheartened and hope it can help build a case for further funding and support for red squirrels in areas that need it.

“As always, we are extremely grateful to everyone who invests their time and effort into the survey, making it possible, and to all of the volunteers and other stakeholders who are working tirelessly across northern England to protect our red squirrels.”

To support its work, RSNE launched a red squirrel adoption scheme earlier this year to provide much needed funding for its essential conservation efforts. To find out more visit www.nwt.org.uk/support-us/adopt-animal/adopt-red-squirrel

The project is also involved in the Big Give Christmas Challenge between midday on Tuesday 28th November and Tuesday 5th December and  hoping to raise £20,000 with help from the public.

To find out more visit www.nwt.org.uk/big-give-christmas-challenge or to donate between 28th November and 5th December go to https://t.ly/xBH1H

To enter squirrel sightings, find out how to get involved, or read the 2023 spring survey, visit www.rsne.org.uk