Published: 05 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.
Scotland’s beloved red squirrels are making a remarkable comeback in the Highlands. A dedicated 10-year reintroduction programme has expanded their range by more than 25 per cent. The rewilding charity Trees for Life has led this effort with great success. They have moved hundreds of squirrels to new homes across the region. These charming creatures once faced near extinction across Britain. Foresters viewed them as pests and destroyed much of their forest habitat. Then invasive grey squirrels arrived from North America. Greys carry a deadly virus that harms reds but not themselves. This poxvirus has devastated red populations elsewhere in the UK.
Today Scotland remains the true heartland for red squirrels. It hosts about 80 per cent of Britain’s remaining 160,000 to 200,000 animals. The Highlands offer vital strongholds away from grey squirrels in many areas. Trees for Life began their project in 2015. They have now established thriving populations at more than a dozen sites. These include places like Shieldaig, Plockton, Inverewe and Lochaline in the west. Further north reds now flourish around Golspie, Spinningdale and Lairg. Populations have spread to Ullapool, Brora and the north-west coast. Even Morvern in the south-west now sees these animals again.
Becky Priestley serves as project manager at Trees for Life. She describes the achievements as a true rewilding success story. It brings real hope for the long-term survival of red squirrels. The work shows how people can help native wildlife recover. Each reintroduction moves only small groups of squirrels. Experts take them from healthy areas around Inverness-shire, Moray and Strathspey. These donor sites stay strong because few animals leave each time. Teams change locations often to maintain genetic diversity. Every squirrel gets a full health check before travel. They move to woods free from grey squirrels and rich in food. Red squirrels fear open ground so they cannot reach these sites alone. Once released workers provide extra food for several months. This helps the animals settle and build dreys in the trees.
Before this project red squirrels had vanished from most north and north-west Highlands. The last sightings there dated back to the 1970s in many places. Now surveys confirm breeding success across the new sites. Reds dart through branches with their bushy tails held high. They cache nuts and seeds for winter then forget some spots. These buried treasures sprout into new trees over time. Red squirrels thus help forests regenerate naturally. Their return benefits the entire ecosystem in the Highlands.
This year alone Trees for Life relocated 259 squirrels to 13 sites. The charity now plans even more expansion work. It forms part of their ambitious Missing Species programme. This initiative aims to restore key animals to the Highlands. Plans include further red squirrel releases alongside beavers and lynx. They also seek a modern equivalent of ancient wild cattle called aurochs. The programme launched recently with a £3.6 million target. Supporters can help fund the early stages.
Challenges remain for red squirrels across Britain. Grey squirrels continue to spread in many areas. They outcompete reds for food and space. The poxvirus they carry can wipe out red groups quickly. Conservationists warned last year that England risks losing its reds entirely. Yet an isolated population of about 3,500 thrives on the Isle of Wight. In Scotland grey control efforts help protect red strongholds. Researchers recently found progress on another front. An oral contraceptive tested on rats also affects grey squirrels. Scientists refine the formula for wider use in bait boxes.
The Highland success proves targeted action can turn the tide. Red squirrels delight walkers and nature lovers alike. Their presence signals healthier woods and balanced wildlife. As winter approaches these animals prepare their stores. They leap from pine to pine in search of cones and hazelnuts. The sight brings joy to many in rural communities. Children grow up learning about Scotland’s iconic reds. The Trees for Life project inspires similar efforts elsewhere. It reminds us that dedicated conservation delivers results. With continued support red squirrels can secure their future. They belong in Scotland’s ancient Caledonian forests. Their comeback story warms the heart amid broader wildlife struggles.
