Events

Red Squirrel Appreciation Day

• January 21, 2026
• Across the UK

This one-day event helps raise awareness of red squirrels and their conservation, and is an opportunity to celebrate their beauty. Post, like and share images, news and stories using the hashtag #RedSquirrelAppreciationDay.

Red Squirrel Watch

• January 31, 2026 8:30 am - January 31, 2026 10:00 am
• RSPB Scotland Loch Leven

Join RSPB for a Red Squirrel watch at RSPB Loch Leven. Meet just after sunrise, have a chat about Red Squirrels over a cup of tea or coffee, before heading out to the Leafy Loop trail for red squirrel spotting. Learn all about these beautiful mammals and enjoy a morning at the loch.

Book here

International Day of Forests

• March 21, 2026
• Global

“The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.”

https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day

National Mammal Week

• April 20, 2026 - April 26, 2026
• Across Britain

“National Mammal Week, brought to you by the Mammal Society, is a celebration of Britain’s mammals and an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges they face.” Find out more and get involved: https://mammal.org.uk/national-mammal-week/

10th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control

• April 23, 2026 - April 24, 2026
• Barcelona, Spain

This conference will gather experts, researchers and practitioners from around the world to share insights, discuss advancements and explore innovative approaches to wildlife fertility control - including UK Squirrel Accord funded research into a grey squirrel oral contraceptive.

Invasive Species Week

• May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
• Across the UK

Get involved in raising awareness of the issues of invasive species, such as grey squirrels, and take action to reduce their negative impacts: www.nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-do/invasive-species-week

National Plant Health Week

• May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
• Across the UK

National Plant Health Week is an annual designated week of action to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy: https://planthealthaction.org/national-plant-health-week

Grey squirrel bark stripping damages and kills the UK’s young trees, negatively impacting woodland ecosystems and the provision of vital ecosystem services that support the lives of wildlife and people.

Volunteers’ Week 2026

• June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026

Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Find out more: https://volunteersweek.org/

Wales Nature Week

• July 4, 2026 - July 12, 2026
• Across Wales

“Wales Nature Week is a celebration of our magical nature from common everyday species like dandelions and buff tailed bumblebees, to fascinating fungi, soaring red kites and acrobatic red squirrels. It celebrates the gardens, fields and meadows, woods and Celtic rainforest, water and reens, seashore and dune, and all the magical places nature finds a home. It also celebrates the people, nature organisations, communities, schools and faith groups who carry out incredible work for nature in their area.” Find out more: www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/Wales-Nature-Week

World Animal Day

• October 4, 2026
• Global

“Raising the status of animals to improve welfare standards around the globe.” #WorldAnimalDay

https://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/

Red Squirrel Awareness Week

• October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
• Across the UK

Red Squirrel Awareness Week is dedicated to increasing awareness of and action for the UK's endangered red squirrels and their conservation. Get involved with lots of online and in-person events being organised across the countries. Post, like and share social media images and stories using hashtags #RSAW2026 and #RedSquirrelAwarenessWeek

Great Scottish Squirrel Survey

• October 5, 2026 - October 11, 2026
• Across Scotland

Report sightings of red and grey squirrels in Scotland during Red Squirrel Awareness Week 2026. Join the biggest squirrel survey in Scotland and help conservation efforts.

National Tree Week

• November 21, 2026 - November 29, 2026
• Across the UK

“National Tree Week, brought to you by The Tree Council and partners, brings together the conservation sector, volunteers and tree-lovers to mark the start of the annual tree planting season by planting thousands of trees and hedgerows, and celebrating these magnificent mainstays of our landscapes.”

Trees are vital lifelines for red squirrels and many other wildlife. Get involved to plant and protect trees across the UK.

https://treecouncil.org.uk/seasonal-campaigns/national-tree-week/