Northumberland has seen an increase in the number of red squirrels in good news for the endangered mammals in our region, though across northern England, their number has decreased.

The results of the annual red and squirrel survey by Red Squirrels Northern England has confirmed that reds can still be spotted across Cumbria, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, and in Lancashire and Merseyside. Overall results nationally show that red squirrels were found in 50% of sites surveyed in 2023, down from 53.2% in 2022; while grey squirrels jumped from 57% to 62.3% of sites.

In Northumberland, there was an increase in surveys finding both red and grey squirrels, in contrast to last year where there was a reduction in sites with squirrels present. It was thought that this reduction could be due to Storm Arwen causing a displacement of populations, and the 2023 results suggest they may be returning.

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In Northumberland National Park, red squirrel detection remains slightly higher than grey. Kyloe red squirrel reserve is also noted as a key area for red squirrels due to conservation efforts from the Save Our Squirrels Berwick volunteer group.

Surveys conducted within the reserve itself are one of the few places in the country where only reds were present. In the county, grey detection continues to be around 20% higher than red detection in Northumberland, which is a similar result to in 2022.

The Red Squirrels Northern England survey is the only scientific evidence base that helps measure whether the collective red squirrel conservation effort is making a difference in the north of England. The programme surveys around 250 sites annually, though fewer sites with historical red squirrel presence were surveyed in the 2023 study.

Abbie McCourt, Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) Project Officer, said: "Each year we eagerly await the results of our spring monitoring programme which are integral for helping us see the impact of our collective conservation efforts. The substantial increase in grey squirrel presence this year is concerning, however we are not disheartened and hope it can help build a case for further funding and support for red squirrels in areas that need it.

“As always, we are extremely grateful to everyone who invests their time and effort into the survey, making it possible, and to all of the volunteers and other stakeholders who are working tirelessly across northern England to protect our red squirrels.”

A statement from RSNE read: "Although these were not the results that were hoped for, they really highlight the need for further conservation funding to support efforts throughout northern England, along with increased survey coverage next spring to gain more representative results."