Red squirrel numbers have remained steady across counties in northern England, however fewer sites in Northumberland have been surveyed due to damage from Storm Arwen.
This is according to the results of the annual red and grey squirrel survey by Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) which once again confirms red squirrels can still be found in seven northern English counties, including Northumberland, County Durham, and Tyne and Wear.
Significant damage throughout the county by Storm Arwen resulted in less sites with known squirrel presence being surveyed than 2021, though of the sites surveyed, there has been little change in numbers and red squirrels were found in all three sites surveyed by the Cramlington Community Red Squirrel Group.
Read more: Eight places where you can see rare red squirrels in the North East
Overall results indicate that across across our region, Cumbria, Merseyside, Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales, red squirrels were found in 53.2% of the 235 sites surveyed between March and May, the same result as in 2021. Grey squirrels were found in 57% of survey sites, down from 59.9% last year.
Red squirrels are an endangered species and are under threat from greys, who outcompete reds in most woodland habitats and carry a disease called squirrelpox, which is fatal to reds.
The RSNE says that the steady number of red squirrels and slight decline of greys is "reassuring news" and since 2015, red squirrel occupancy has been on the up. Each year the programme aims to survey around 250 sites, with the 2022 survey involving 180 people.
Leon Savage, Chair of the Cramlington Red Squirrel Group, said: "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."
To read the full report or enter red squirrel sightings, visit the RSNE website.
Where have you seen red squirrels in the North East? Let us know!
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