Here in the Lyvennet valley we are very fortunate that we have a resident population of red squirrels and this page (created October 2019) is intended to document where you can find them, record sightings and to contain a bi-monthly report on their well-being.
The 'ticker tape' above will contain any relevant updates.
The native red squirrel was widespread in Britain before grey squirrels arrived! Following the introduction of grey squirrels in 1876, red squirrels rapidly disappeared from many areas as they were pushed out by the insurgent greys.
However, red squirrels continue to reside in Cumbria and here in the Lyvennet valley, be that in local woodlands and as visitors to our gardens - but there are challenges to maintaining that, our, population.
Since I started to record sightings of any reds in our area during the summer of 2019, we have had cases of squirrel pox and a number of greys having been seen (and subsequently shot and that includes the reds with squirrel pox) - vigilance and swift action is key and we are very fortunate that we have the Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group (P&DRSG) who help maintain our healthy population.
The group along with their dedicated rangers work tirelessly at extending their existence here, working across a vast area of approximately 650 square miles. Our ranger, Gary Murphy, provides us with a reassuring presence and someone whom we know is only a phone call away.
So whilst our population of reds is generally in good health, where are we most likely to see them in our valley?
Whilst Shap Wells hotel is just outside of our area, it is a fairly reliable place to see reds and sometimes it does depend on season. Over the summer, sightings in our villages became less frequent, mainly a consequence of them making more use of the 'natural harvest' and not having to visit gardens for supplementary feed and of course, trees are also in full leaf. As the summer turned to autumn, the sightings have started to increase.
Patience is always key, but the wooded areas around Reagill remain a reliable place to see them, Flass in Maulds Meaburn and a walk up to Oddendale from Crosby Ravensworth via Low Dalebanks or again from Crosby Ravensworth up the valley to Crosby Villa will often prove profitable.
Advice on using feeders - if at all possible upgrade to the new composite feeder which is made from from 100% recycled plastic which is made in the UK and is non toxic, tough, durable, rot proof and long lasting - you will find details on the P&DRSG website, link below. Do not over-fill the feeder, just 6-8 (monkey) nuts at a time will do to keep them interested and coming back. Additionally try to place them where cats can't pounce and they must be cleaned on a regular basis.
If you see a grey or a red with squirrel pox - quite simply ring Gary (phone No. below) our local ranger asap and provide him with as much detail as possible, ie: exact location, time, what it was doing, if first time seen, etc.
If you see a red squirrel - you can either email myself (see very bottom of page) or text Gary or indeed, do both - the monthly reports that I compile are sent to Gary and also to Julie Bailey, the administrator/treasurer for the P&DRSG. I also have a group email for their distribution - if you want to be included on that list just let me know.
When you report a sighting of a red, let me know: where, when, what it was doing, whether it appears healthy or not and if it was on a feeder, what type of food is in offer.
however, they are just as likely to visit your garden and will travel some distance to do so.
Our Local Squirrel Ranger - Gary Murphy - 07974 788 434
Useful Links - Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group Contact e-mail: info@penrithredsquirrels.org.uk 
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Red Squirrels Northern England - The new red squirrel conservation partnership project that combines and builds on the efforts of previous and current initiatives in order to protect red squirrel populations in northern England through targeted conservation actions. website: www.rsne.org.uk |
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The Red Squirrel Survival Trust is a national body established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in the UK. web site: http://www.rsst.org.uk |
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Northern Red Squirrels is an independent voluntary umbrella group, set up to bring together all voluntary groups and individuals who are interested in saving red squirrels. As the 'voluntary voice' for red conservation we welcome all volunteers to join us! web site: http://www.northernredsquirrels.org.uk/ |
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Please Note: I cannot accept responsibility for the content of outside links. |
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Turning the tide from Conservation Now on Vimeo.
A big thank you to Red Squirrels South West for the use of their ‘Turning the tide’ film.
Without the actions taken by all the various groups and organisations involved with red squirrel conservation over the last few decades, our native red squirrel would all but have disappeared from our shores. It is down to all the hard work and dedication by the local people, landowners, volunteers and our rangers that the non-native grey squirrels are held back and removed from our woodlands. This control of the invasive grey squirrel allows the red squirrel (and other woodland wildlife!) to exist and in areas, thrive here in Cumbria and elsewhere.
PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS PAGE: have all very kindly been provided by local residents, Andrew Wallis, Pennie Bennett and Andrea Davis.
MONTHLY REPORTS
July 2019
August 2019
September 2019
October 2019
November 2019
December 2019
Jan+Feb 2020
March+April 2020
May+June 2020
July+August 2020
Sept'+October 2020
Nov'+Dec' 2020
Jan+Feb 2021
March+April 2021
May+June 2021
July+August 2021
Autumn 2021
Winter 2022
Spring 2022
Summer 2022
Autumn 2022
Winter 2023
Spring 2023
Summer 2023
Autumn 2023
© Darren Rogers 2010-24
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Grey Squirrel Management
