Red Squirrel in North/East Yorkshire

[Yashca]

I expect that I would be right in thinking that there is nowhere in East Yorkshire where Red Squirrels still persist (though would love to know otherwise if there is some population I know nothing about).

I expect my best chances of seeing one would lie in North Yorkshire. I spend most of my time in the Scarborough area, and was wondering where the nearest population was. I expect it is somewhere in the Dales, but if anyone knows of one nearer by, then please tell me about it.

Thanks, Yashca.

[solus]

The Lake District has them, also the Formby Coast area in the NW and Northumberland (Kielder Forest). Don't think there are any in Yorkshire but someone else will know.

[Dogghound]

Ive never heard of any around Scarborough or on/around the moors im afraid, or in North or east Yorkshire, only very old records. Although who knows in some of the isolated valleys, but you could spend years looking and not find a thing. Like Solus says the lakes or northumberland would be the best option. Ive had reports of red in forge valley but they are from people mixing up grey squirrel in their summer coat.

[Richard G.]

There are a couple of places.
There's a feeding area at Snaizeholme, probably gives you the best chance to see them up close. Loads of detail here.

A bit further south in the Langstrothdale/Greenfield forest has also been designated as a red squirrel reserve, but that was quite recently I think, so I don't know if there are trails or viewing areas.

[Paul mabbott]

We have a few in South Yorkshire, practically Derbyshire,
The Sorby Mammal Atlas, Red Squirrel
Conifer plantations between Strines and the Ladybower are said to be the best populations but I've never seen one!

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

There are a couple of places.
There's a feeding area at Snaizeholme, probably gives you the best chance to see them up close. Loads of detail here.

A bit further south in the Langstrothdale/Greenfield forest has also been designated as a red squirrel reserve, but that was quite recently I think, so I don't know if there are trails or viewing areas.

Both of these areas are well worth a try. Not just for the squirrels but for the magnificent landscape as well.

Chris

[Sparklebug]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

A bit further south in the Langstrothdale/Greenfield forest has also been designated as a red squirrel reserve, but that was quite recently I think, so I don't know if there are trails or viewing areas.

Wow! I didn't know this Richard, I go there A LOT in my camper, and have walked those fells to death, but have never seen a red there. I will deffo keep my eyes extra extra peeled now!

I know it is off the thread, but just beyond here, up the hill, beyond Beckermonds heading towards Gayle, I regularly used to spy 2 short eared owls hunting during the day/ towards dusk, at the pull in spot at the top of the long drag......have you ever seen them?

Anyway, having walked Greenfield Forest and seen no squirrels (lonely spot that) I will haste me back!

[wizzo]

Whilst staying in the lake District last September, I met people who had come to the area, to try and see a Red Squirrel. There are concerns about some Reds, that may be carrying some kind of virus? Anyway, as we were leaving our wonderfully remote cottage, near the village of Grassmere, there on the drystone wall, was a most gorgeous Red Squirrel! It took vitually no notice of me, as I pulled up next to him, in my truck. However, as I quietly tried to get out to take a picture, he disappeared . Still, needless to say, it really put the cherry on the cake, of what was a magical holiday - Wizzo

[Richard G.]

Your chances of seeing them at Snaizeholme used to be good, but they still seem to be declining in many areas, Formby, Wallington, Paxton House, so not sure how they're fairing these days, we did see one at Earl Grey's house in Northumberland last year though (and yes we had tea ).

Not seen the shorties up that way Sparkle, but then we have them close to us too. Walked the Dales Way through Langstothdale a few years back, chucked it down all day

[Sparklebug]

Hiya Wizzo, I have seen reds in the Lakes, there are a few hotspots. A great one is Dodd Wood near Bassenthwaite, they have a feeding station, so if you sit for a bit you are more or less guaranteed to see. We went to view Ospreys there and then saw the reds on the way back - Great! But my best spot was walking the road to Watendlath, from Borrowdale, and there hopping across the road in front of us was a red, not a bit bothered, then up a tree. This was great as it felt more wild.

Richard, I know what you mean about the weather up Langstrath, I've seen it all, but I do feel a bit sorry for the D of E Awards who you often see looking totally miserable walking the DW in rubbish conditions with a full pack....and not a shop for miles! hee hee