Historically a familiar sight across woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout Britain, red squirrels have suffered a catastrophic decline over the past century. Once numbering millions, Britain’s estimated population is now around 287,000, with approximately 70% found in Scotland. Remaining populations are increasingly fragmented, isolated, and vulnerable to local extinction. 

Without sustained efforts, we could lose red squirrels entirely in just ten years.

The funding announcement comes at a crucial time for red squirrel conservation. 

Thanks to Natural England's funding, the project will be able to:

• Increase grey squirrel management across the region, including the recruitment of an additional Red Squirrel Ranger, providing greater capacity to respond rapidly to threats and support conservation efforts across key sites.

• Undertake a grey squirrel eradication feasibility study to better understand grey squirrel movement, incursion rates, and the level of effort required to achieve effective long-term management across different landscape types.

• Launch a community tree-planting initiative to enhance natural food availability for red squirrels. The scheme will encourage the planting of red squirrel-friendly trees in gardens and communities, helping to reduce reliance on supplementary feeding and improving habitat connectivity.

The funding recognises the national importance of the Sefton Coast and surrounding landscape as the most southerly red squirrel stronghold in mainland England. Combining practical conservation, scientific research, and community involvement, Lancashire Wildlife Trust's Red Squirrel Project aims to create stronger, more resilient populations and secure a future for this much-loved native species.