Each year the programme aims to survey around 250 sites. The 2022 survey involved 180 people. Without the help of all those involved, completion of the survey would simply not be possible.

Overall results indicate that red squirrels were found in 53.2% of the 235 sites surveyed between March and May. the same result as 2021, which is very encouraging.

Grey squirrels were found in 57% of survey sites - down from 59.9% last year.

This is once again reassuring news and it is notable that, since 2015, red occupancy is on the up - indicating that reds can still be seen throughout a large amount of northern England.

The great results reflect the efforts of staff and hundreds of community volunteers working across the region over the past year. Without the consistent dedication and effort from rangers, volunteers, landowners and other stakeholders, reds would not be in the position they are in today, so it is paramount that red squirrel conservation efforts and vigilance continue.

Government funded grant schemes for woodland improvement including the Countryside Improvement Woodland Management Improvement Scheme support much of the work carried out by RSNE with landowners receiving an additional £50 per hectare for grey squirrel management.

Without uptake of such schemes from landowners the current situation for red squirrels would not be as strong.

The results of the 2022 survey show just how important it is that communities continue to cherish and protect their red squirrels.

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

Alternatively, contact one of the local community red squirrel groups at www.northernredsquirrels.org.uk.

County Results and Case Studies:

Northumberland:

Results in Northumberland this year saw a reduction in the number of survey sites both red and grey squirrels were found in compared to 2021.

There was significant storm damage throughout the county at the end of last year from Storm Arwen, particularly around the mid-costal area, which resulted in less sites with known squirrel presence being surveyed.

The good news is the results have yielded promising insights in certain areas, especially for Cramlington community red squirrel group. Red squirrels were found in all three sites surveyed in the Cramlington area.

Leon Savage, Chair of the Cramlington Red Squirrel Group says: “The results were generally as we expected as we have an up-to-date overview on our geographical area, although it was the first time we produced a map highlighting coverage from the survey.

“Our aim for next year is to increase red only areas or to have no grey presence in any given survey site. The success for reds in our area is likely down to being fortunate to have the support of all the significant landowners in the area and the help of over 40 volunteers who play a huge part in conservation efforts.

“Our local community is also very supportive towards the group, which can be in the form of donations, voluntary time, reporting sightings and spreading the message.”

Northern Lake District:

In Cumbria, reds were found in an additional 6.3% of sites surveyed this year and greys were found in 1.1% less, compared to 2021.

This is a fantastic result which highlights the large amount of dedicated conservation work completed throughout the county.

The North Lakes red squirrel stronghold in particular returned very positive results for reds this year, with them being present in all survey sites apart from one where neither squirrel species was found.

Matt Stuart, RSNE Lake District ranger says:  “Eight surveys were completed in the area I work;  four in Greystoke Forest, three in Thirlmere and one near Keswick. All surveys detected Red Squirrels.

“The northern lakes area is still a fantastic stronghold for reds with a presence in the majority of woodlands across this area. Greystoke Forest, especially, has a really healthy population of red squirrels and during the survey period only reds were detected, which makes it one of the few places in the country that we can say is a safe haven from grey squirrels.”

North Yorkshire:

The Yorkshire Dales red squirrel stronghold, found to the north of the county, yielded terrific results for reds this year with all surveys, except one, having a red squirrel presence.

Paul West, RSNE ranger for Greenfield Forest said: “I have been in post since December 2021 and I can report that we have an extensive and thriving population of red squirrels. From large blocks of conifers to small deadwood Coups.

“I see two, sometimes three, red squirrels on each of our trail cameras positioned at the feeders and was recently fortunate to capture three or four baby squirrels following their mother on one of the trail cameras, which was a tremendous sight.

“Our cameras and feeders are essential in recording any grey squirrel activity and capturing on film the vast amount of wildlife that the forest holds secretly under its canopy.

“Constant vigilance is required and we now have a team of residents, landowners and farmers informing us of any grey or red activity around the periphery of the forest. This serves the forest well and is testament to the local will and interest in maintaining our resident population.”