Where to photgraph red squirrels

[Goosegogs]

Anglesey has some. There is a conservation group on the island trying to boost numbers by culling grey squirrels. There is a hotline to report sightings of greys. There was something recent on the bbc news website about it.

[Cheryl]

Definitely Brownsea Island. I've also seen them them in Sheringham Park (Norfolk) and at Tarn Hows in the Lake District. We've seen them in various locations in Scotland but I've never seen them on the Isle of Wight where they have signs up to watch out for them ??????

[kshotton45]

Originally Posted by eeyore

good locations i have found include formby point in lancashire ( good all year but best opportunities in term time when horrible screaming brats arent frightening the squiz) , and the bird feeding area at RSPB loch garten in speyside

there is also a place called squirells pantry in cumbria which is supposed to be okay tho i've not been there personally.

there are also captive red squirells at the british wildlife centre at lingfield in surrrey who are vey easy to photo in a natural looking setting.

I was at The Squirrels Pantry on Monday. It's a cafe/shop in the grounds of Oakhurst Garden Centre in Cockermouth (Lamplugh Road). I was talking to the guy in the garden centre who monitors the feeding stations. He said that Red Squirrels often scamper about the centre. At the moment they were ignoring the feeding stations and feeding on Beech nuts. He showed us some husks that had fallen that morning.

Keith.

[kshotton45]

This is one of the many sites giving info on Formby Point. My next short break will probably be to The Forest Of Bowland, and I shall visit Formby Point on the way up.

'The National Trust reserve at Freshfield, Formby is one of the best places in Great Britain to see, feed and photograph red squirrels. '

Red squirrel conservation and the Formby red squirrels

Keith.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Hoppingmad

Thanks to all who responded - seems like there are a good number of places to try. I am in Essex but didn't bother to mention this as I knew I would have to travel some disance. Good excuse for a weekend away!

Thanks again.

Debbie

my mum and sis have just come basck from holland where apparently reds were ubiquitous in the wooded areas - scanmmpering in and out of trees and even jumping on the caravan roof.

sailing from harwich this might be closer to you than scotland / lancs / cumbria

[Goatboy]

Just a quick story on Formby point.

I took my dad up there a few weeks ago to photograph the red squirrels. Neither of us had seen any before.

After a few minutes I commented that we hadn't seen any yet. My dad said that it was no surprise and that as they were so timid the chances of us seeing any at all were very slim.

At this exact point, from the distance of the forrest, a squirrel came tearing towards us at great speed and sat on the floor about a meter in front. Of course by the time the camera was positioned he was off, but it still makes me chuckle.

[beckiscott]

goatboy raises a good point actually when out photgraphing squiggs. sometimes the camera being turned off is a good thing!

They make good photos, but they are really great to watch too; with their very humourous little mannerisms.

I would suggest when going to photograph them, spend 30mins + just watching them... where they like to sit and eat, where they run off to, where they appear from etc. After finding a nut, they tend to pause and look at you just before running off to eat it. This will help when talking photos, and lets you appreciate the little critters for the cuties they are!

[Hoppingmad]

Thanks again to all who replied. Might try Brownsea Island at end October and maybe Formby early next year. Both a way from Essex but could be well worth it.

It is always worth asking others - some places I have been to like Thetford Forest do have red squirrels but they are very well hidden and shy. Places that have been suggested sound a safer bet for the photographer.

Thanks again.