Red squirrels are Britain's only native squirrel. Whilst they are still a familiar sight in Cumbria and the North East of England, they have all but vanished from the rest of England where they have been replaced by the North American grey squirrel.
The Forestry Commission is working with Red Squirrels North England and other partners to help secure the long-term survival of red squirrels in Cumbria.
What are We Doing?
Whinlatter is a Red Squirrel Stronghold and is being managed to benefit Red Squirrels through retaining mature seeding confiers and a seasonal programme of monitoring and Grey Squirrel Trapping in partnership with Red Squirrels North England.
As part of the Wild Ennerdale Partnership we are working with the local Community to maintain Red Squirrels in the Ennerdale Valley through our Squirrel Woodlands project.