Westmorland Red Squirrels

Westmorland Red Squirrels Westmorland Red Squirrels works to protect Red Squirrels in South Cumbria and North Lancashire

2027 Lakeland Red Squirrel calendars are now available, drop us a message if you would like some.
25/07/2026

2027 Lakeland Red Squirrel calendars are now available, drop us a message if you would like some.

We’re all set up at the Cumbria Steam Gathering! 🐿️🚂It’s been a fantastic first day, with plenty of visitors stopping by...
25/07/2026

We’re all set up at the Cumbria Steam Gathering! 🐿️🚂

It’s been a fantastic first day, with plenty of visitors stopping by our stand to learn about the vital work we’re doing to protect our native red squirrels across Cumbria.

From discussing conservation and biodiversity to sharing sightings, handing out information, and meeting so many passionate wildlife supporters, it’s been a brilliant day. A huge thank you to everyone who came to chat, donated, or picked up some of our merchandise—your support really does make a difference.

If you didn’t make it today, don’t worry—we’ll be back again tomorrow! Come and say hello, learn more about our work, browse our gifts and resources, and find out how you can help ensure a future for Cumbria’s iconic red squirrels.

We look forward to seeing you there! ❤️🐿️

Behind every red squirrel sighting is a lot of patience.This is the view from one of our volunteer monitoring hides. It ...
04/07/2026

Behind every red squirrel sighting is a lot of patience.

This is the view from one of our volunteer monitoring hides. It may look peaceful, but our dedicated volunteers often spend many hours sitting quietly, whatever the weather, observing and recording everything they see.

While red squirrels are our primary focus, our volunteers also collect valuable data on the woodland’s wider biodiversity. Every bird, mammal and other notable species encountered helps build a better understanding of the health of these habitats and how wildlife is responding over time.

Monitoring also allows us to keep a close watch on grey squirrel numbers and distribution. This information is vital for directing conservation efforts, responding quickly to new incursions and helping to protect our remaining red squirrel populations from competition and squirrelpox.

Every sighting, feeding behaviour, interaction and absence is carefully logged. Over time, this information creates an invaluable picture of the woodland, enabling us to identify trends, understand population changes and make evidence-based conservation decisions.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers, who give up countless hours to help protect one of Cumbria’s most iconic native species.

If you’d like to make a real difference for red squirrels and our local woodlands, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you can spare a few hours each month or become a regular volunteer, your support will help safeguard not only red squirrels, but the rich biodiversity that shares their woodland home.

Every hour in a hide. Every record collected. Every volunteer. Together, they make a difference.

Good morning! 🐿️
03/07/2026

Good morning! 🐿️

Whilst using Google Maps to check out a potential location for new red squirrel feeders and monitoring equipment, we spo...
30/06/2026

Whilst using Google Maps to check out a potential location for new red squirrel feeders and monitoring equipment, we spotted something that really made us smile.

It looks like local residents have erected their own “Slow Down – Red Squirrels” sign to remind drivers that this is an area where our native red squirrels are regularly seen.

It’s fantastic to see local communities taking pride in protecting their wildlife. Small actions like slowing down on woodland roads can make a real difference for red squirrels and many other species that need to cross.

A big thank you to everyone who helps look after our native wildlife. Conservation works best when communities, landowners and volunteers all pull together.

Have you spotted any red squirrel warning signs in your area? We’d love to see them in the comments!

Our woodland camera recently captured not one, but two Great Spotted Woodpeckers visiting a WRS feeding station at the s...
27/06/2026

Our woodland camera recently captured not one, but two Great Spotted Woodpeckers visiting a WRS feeding station at the same time. These striking birds are regular woodland residents and play an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on insects hidden beneath tree bark, while also enjoying peanuts and maize at feeders.

A surprise visitor on our squirrel camera this morning!While checking one of our red squirrel monitoring cameras, we wer...
26/06/2026

A surprise visitor on our squirrel camera this morning!

While checking one of our red squirrel monitoring cameras, we were greeted by this beautiful juvenile fox making its way quietly through the woodland.

Our camera network doesn’t just help us monitor red squirrels—it also provides a fascinating insight into the rich variety of wildlife sharing these habitats. Every image helps us build a better understanding of the woodland ecosystem and the species that depend on it.

24/06/2026

Helping Red Squirrels: Feed Responsibly

If you believe red squirrels may be present in your area, it’s important to take extra care when providing supplementary food.

Avoid feeding grey squirrels wherever possible. Grey squirrels can carry squirrelpox virus without showing symptoms, but the disease is usually fatal to red squirrels.

Reduce the risk of cross-contamination:
• Use squirrel-specific feeders where appropriate.
• Regularly clean and disinfect feeders and feeding stations.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling feeders or food.
• Remove old or contaminated food promptly.
• Avoid moving feeders between locations without thoroughly cleaning them first.

Monitor who is using your feeders. If grey squirrels are regularly accessing feeding stations intended for reds, consider reviewing feeder designs or seeking advice from local conservation groups.

By taking simple precautions, you can help protect vulnerable red squirrel populations and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

If you’d like to support our work protecting red squirrels through monitoring, habitat management, fundraising or volunteering, please get in touch. Every volunteer and supporter makes a difference.

Another monitoring station successfully installed in a private woodland within the South Lakes, helping us gather valuab...
23/06/2026

Another monitoring station successfully installed in a private woodland within the South Lakes, helping us gather valuable data on squirrel populations, local wildlife and supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

Show season is almost here! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our charity stand at a variety of ev...
23/06/2026

Show season is almost here!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our charity stand at a variety of events and agricultural shows across the South Lakes.

This is a great opportunity to support red squirrel conservation, meet like-minded people, and help raise awareness of our work with the public.

If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch for more information, including show dates, locations, and volunteer opportunities. We’d love to hear from you! 🐿️❤️

Address

Sedgwick
LA80JP

Telephone

+447864589167

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