Seeing a red squirrel in England has become a rare and special moment. For Sam Beaumont, a farmer in the Lake District, it still happens in his own backyard. When he spots a flash of red fur racing up a tree, he feels proud and hopeful.
“I feel very lucky to have them on the farm,” Beaumont says. “They are beautiful animals, and keeping their numbers healthy really matters.”
Sadly, most people across England are far more familiar with grey squirrels. These larger, tougher animals are now everywhere. Red squirrels, once common across the UK, are slowly disappearing — and many experts say time is running out.
This issue has now become part of Breaking News, as the government has released a new action plan aimed at saving England’s remaining red squirrels.
From Millions to Thousands: What Went Wrong?
Red squirrels were once one of Britain’s most loved animals. Around 100 years ago, there were an estimated 3.4 million red squirrels living across the UK. Today, that number has fallen sharply.
Experts believe there are now only around 287,000 red squirrels left, with nearly 75% living in Scotland. In England, the situation is much worse. Fewer than 40,000 red squirrels remain, mostly in small, isolated areas such as northern England and the Isle of Wight.
The main reason for this dramatic decline is the arrival of grey squirrels, which were brought to Britain from North America in the late 1800s. These non-native animals spread quickly and caused serious problems for the native red squirrels.
Grey squirrels compete for food, take over habitats, and spread squirrelpox, a disease that does not harm greys but is deadly for reds.
Government Action Plan: What Is Being Proposed?
In response to growing concern, the government has launched a new squirrel action plan for England, which is now making headlines in Daily news highlights.
The plan focuses on three main goals:
1. Expanding Woodland Habitat
Red squirrels thrive in ancient woodland, especially areas with trees like hazel and larch that provide natural food. The government plans to increase woodland areas to give red squirrels more safe spaces to live and breed.
2. Controlling Grey Squirrel Numbers
Officials want to reduce grey squirrel populations in areas where red squirrels still survive. This includes encouraging landowners to manage grey squirrels on their land.
3. Research into Fertility Control
One of the most talked-about ideas is a contraceptive vaccine for grey squirrels. The aim is to slowly reduce grey squirrel numbers without widespread culling. While this vaccine is still being researched, experts say it could be a long-term solution.
Nature minister Mary Creagh said grey squirrels cause serious damage to native wildlife and trees, and that stronger action is needed to protect red squirrels for future generations.
Life on the Front Line: Farmers and Volunteers Step In
While government plans are important, much of the real work is happening on the ground. Sam Beaumont is part of the Nature Friendly Farming Network and works closely with a local ranger to protect red squirrels on his land.
Cameras are set up to monitor squirrel activity, and any grey squirrels found are removed. Beaumont says this constant monitoring is necessary if reds are to survive.
“Habitat is everything,” he explains. “Ancient woodland gives red squirrels what they need — food, shelter, and safety.”
Across England, volunteers and local conservation groups are doing similar work, often with limited funding and resources. Experts say these community efforts are vital, but they need stronger support.
Campaigners Say the Plan Does Not Go Far Enough
Wildlife groups have welcomed the government’s plan but say it still has serious gaps.
Marie Carter-Robb, founder of the grassroots group Save Our Reds, says recognising the problem is only the first step.
“A policy document alone does not protect wildlife,” she says. “What matters is real action in the woods, where red squirrels are still extremely vulnerable.”
Campaigners are calling for:
- More long-term funding
- Better protection of woodland quality
- Faster action in high-risk areas
They warn that without these steps, red squirrel populations could continue to decline despite good intentions.
Pine Martens and a Ray of Hope
One surprising source of hope comes from another native species: the pine marten. These small predators were once nearly extinct in England but are now being reintroduced in some areas.
Studies from Scotland and Ireland show that when pine martens return, red squirrels often benefit. The martens hunt grey squirrels more easily than reds, helping to restore balance.
Experts believe reintroducing pine martens, combined with fertility control and habitat restoration, could finally give red squirrels a fighting chance.
Matt Larsen-Daw, CEO of the Mammal Society, admits recovery will not be quick. However, he says science-led solutions offer hope.
“It’s hard to expect a rapid comeback,” he says, “but with the right mix of research, funding, and local action, there is still a future for red squirrels in England.”
