Red squirrel strongholds are a set of sites, spread across major parts of the red squirrel range in Scotland, where viable red squirrel populations can be sustained over the long term.
The tree species composition and the woodland layout at these sites will give the native red squirrel an advantage over the introduced grey squirrel, so these sites can act as red squirrel refuges even if grey squirrels spread further than they have already.
Red squirrel strongholds are complementary to wider efforts to improve habitats for the red squirrel and to control grey squirrels in Scotland.
How many strongholds are there?
Section 5, Where are the strongholds? identifies 18 red squirrel strongholds totalling approximately 100,000 hectares, spread around Scotland. These sites are all large forests (ranging in size from 2,400 hectares to 14,400 hectares) which have populations of red squirrels.
The final number and area of sites proposed in this consultation is a compromise between the 20 sites and the 80,000 hectares recommended in the Red Squirrel Action Plan 2006-2011 (PDF). For information on the selection process, see the site selection methodology.
How can these sites help?
These sites can help conserve red squirrels because they have been selected to take advantage of the slightly different habitat requirements of the two squirrel species. For example, grey squirrels require pockets of large seeded broadleaf trees (such as oak, beech, hazel and chestnut) to establish a population, whereas red squirrels can thrive in forests without these species.
In strongholds we will promote and support habitat management which progressively increases the competitive advantage of red squirrels over grey squirrels, in preparation for the possibility that grey squirrels will reach the site.
- Continue to 2. Why do we need to conserve red squirrels?
