Plans & Strategies

Scotland

First published in 2004, the Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation was updated in 2015. Scottish Squirrel Group plans to update the strategy in 2025.

Aims and actions within the strategy guide and deliver red squirrel conservation across this northernmost UK country.

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ partnership and volunteers protect around 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrel population. Ensuring this iconic mammal continues to be part of Scotland’s special wildlife.

Scottish strategy Saving Scotland’s red squirrels

Northern Ireland

Published last year, the Red Squirrel Conservation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 aids the continued recovery of the country’s red squirrels.

Strategic aims and actions focus on collaborative work across the country and the wider island of Ireland.

Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency are key elements of the Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum. This includes many local groups that play an active role the impressive recovery of Northern Ireland’s red squirrels.

Northern ireland strategy Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum

England

Publishing the England Red Squirrel Action Plan in 2023 ensures all four UK countries have outlined a clear way to support red squirrel conservation.

This five-year plan aims to strengthen the conservation work already taking place thanks to collaborations between landowners and community groups.

A steering group led by the UK Squirrel Accord includes signatories and stakeholders working together to ensure England’s red squirrels have a bright future. This includes development of a national red squirrel recovery strategy.

England Action Plan England Steering group

Wales

In 2009 the Red Squirrel Conservation Plan for Wales was originally published. It was then reviewed and updated in 2018 when the Grey Squirrel Management Action Plan for Wales was also published.

These documents contain key objectives, actions and drivers needed to protect red squirrels and trees, and reduce the negative impacts of grey squirrels.

Delivery of both plans is led by the Wales Squirrel Forum, which is organised by Natural Resources Wales and involves numerous stakeholders across the country.

Wales red squirrel plan Wales grey squirrel plan