May 21st 2024.
In Scotland, there's an estimated 120,000 red squirrels, but these cute creatures are facing a major threat: habitat loss. To combat this issue and boost the population of red squirrels on the West Coast, a rewilding charity called Trees for Life has recently released six of these furry friends in the Morvern peninsula. The Drimnin Estate, overlooking the Sound of Mull, was chosen as the perfect location for their release into a broadleaf woodland, with the support of the landowners. This isn't the first time Trees for Life has undertaken such a project, as they previously released 21 red squirrels near Lochaline on the peninsula two years ago.
Already, the new red squirrels at Driminin have been spotted frolicking and foraging in the estate's woodlands. Sarah Woodfin, the Red Squirrel Project Manager for Trees for Life, expressed her excitement for this achievement, stating that it marks a new chapter in their rewilding success story and provides hope for the long-term survival of this beloved species. With the improvement of tree cover in the area, it's possible that these reintroduced red squirrels will eventually be able to travel along the entire coast to nearby Ardnamurchan, securing a remnant population of red squirrels that have managed to hold on in that region.
Unfortunately, the number of red squirrels has been greatly reduced due to various factors such as loss of their forest homes, historic persecution, and competition and disease from the introduced grey squirrel. The Highlands and Islands have been the last main stronghold for red squirrels in the UK, as many of the woodlands in this region provide ideal habitat. However, the red squirrels are unable to reach these havens due to their aversion to crossing large open spaces.
Since 2016, Trees for Life has released a total of 235 red squirrels at 12 different sites throughout the northwest Highlands. With the new populations now breeding and expanding throughout the available habitat, it's estimated that these releases will eventually lead to a total population of 5,300 red squirrels. Not only does this help the red squirrels, but it also aids in the natural expansion of Scots pine forests. As the red squirrels plant new trees by forgetting where they have buried their winter stores of nuts and seeds, it allows the forest to thrive and grow.
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