2018 Annual Squirrel Monitoring Programme Results

Red squirrels captured on a trail camera in the Eden Valley, Cumbria, May 2018

Bonnie Sapsford

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

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The spring 2018 annual squirrel monitoring programme has been funded by:

LIFE14 NAT/UK/000467

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Summary

This report details the results of the annual red and grey squirrel monitoring

programme managed by Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE), a Northumberland

Wildlife Project. The annual monitoring programme is conducted each spring during a

three month period from 1st March to 31st May across known red squirrel range in

northern England. Annual monitoring was established in 2012 and 2018 was the 7th

year of the programme. Methods used involved baited trail camera surveys, visual

transect surveys, and observed feeder surveys. Standardised monitoring was

undertaken in 290 tetrads (2km x 2km square) within woodlands and gardens. The aim

of the programme is to build a long-term dataset that will evidence changes that may

occur to red and grey squirrel range over time in areas where red squirrel conservation

activity takes place.

Overall results showed that red squirrels remain widely distributed across northern

England. Reds were detected in 42.4% of total sites surveyed and greys detected in

47.9%; a 3% decrease in red detection and a 5% increase in grey detection in

comparison to monitoring results in 2017. Results were analysed per county and also

per national park. In Cumbria, both species were widely detected (57.1% and 47.8%

respectively); this was reflected in the Lake District national park results. Red detection

in Northumberland overall was low (26.8%) in comparison to grey detection (50%).

Detection of reds was higher than greys within Northumberland and Yorkshire Dales

national parks. Results within red squirrel reserves and strongholds were similar to

those documented in 2017, with greys detected in the majority of sites within the Slaley

stronghold (77.2%) and reds detected in the majority of sites in both the Yorkshire

Dales (71.4%) and North Lakes (74.2%) strongholds. Within all reserves, red detection

was higher than grey detection.

Additional squirrel distribution maps were produced from standardised monitoring,

conservation activity records and public sightings between March and May 2018. Reds

were recorded in 350 tetrads and greys in 510. These maps provided a more complete

picture of squirrel distribution than the standardised monitoring results alone.

The completion of the 2018 annual monitoring programme is a significant achievement

and logistical challenge. 160 people, the vast majority volunteers, contributed to the

delivery of the programme. Successfully surveying 290 sites within a three month

period highlights the collective commitment of all involved.

Acknowledgements

The successful delivery of the monitoring programme would not be possible without the

significant contribution of both time and effort by volunteers. Acknowledgement is also

given to land managers who granted access to woodlands across the project area. The

contribution of additional records by red squirrel conservationists was significant;

these records helped to document current squirrel distribution in northern England.

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Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2. Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

3. Results .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7

3.1 Standardised monitoring .................................................................................................................................. 7

3.2 Comparison of standardised monitoring results between spring 2017 and spring 2018 ..... 9

3.3 Spring monitoring results 2012 to 2018 ................................................................................................. 10

3.4 County results ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

3.5 National park results ....................................................................................................................................... 11

3.6 Compiled records: standardised monitoring, conservation activity records & public

sightings........................................................................................................................................................................ 12

3.7 Red squirrel reserves and strongholds .................................................................................................... 13

3.8 Community involvement ................................................................................................................................ 15

4. Discussion .................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Appendix: Additional maps ....................................................................................................................................... 22

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1. Introduction

Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) is a Northumberland Wildlife Trust project and

conservation partnership working across red squirrel range in northern England. The

annual monitoring programme, established by RSNE in 2012, surveys approximately

300 woodlands and gardens across northern England applying the same methods in the

same locations each spring. Involving 160 people, over 80% of which are volunteers, the

programme is one of the largest existing citizen science projects in mammal

conservation within the UK. Monitoring is conducted using three non-invasive

standardised methods: baited trail cameras, baited visual transects (walking through

woodlands and recording squirrels seen), and by observing squirrel visits to garden

feeders. The programme occurs each year within a three month period, between 1st

March and 31st May. 2000 surveys have now been completed since the initial baseline

programme in 2012. This report details results for 2018, representing the 7th

consecutive year of the programme.

The aim of the annual monitoring programme is to build a standardised, long-term

dataset that will evidence changes that may occur to red and grey squirrel range over

time. Any changes over time and space can be documented through detection and non-

detection of both red and grey squirrels during annual monitoring across the project

area. Repetition and standardisation of survey methods creates greater confidence in

the programme’s results and the longer the programme continues the more reliable

interpretation of results become. The detection and non-detection of both species

through standardised monitoring contributes towards an understanding of patterns in

red and grey squirrel distribution. This is in the context of a landscape in which grey

squirrels are managed as a conservation measure.

The scope of the monitoring programme is not to cover all of northern England or to act

as a population study. The programme focuses on interface areas where both species

may occur, within known red squirrel range, and provides a robust depiction of red and

grey squirrel distribution each year. Monitoring squirrel distribution using

standardised methods is essential for comparisons over time. Grey squirrel control

records, non-standardised monitoring data and public sightings are often difficult to use

for comparisons over time due to the significant variation in effort, both in time and

space. However, these additional records are invaluable for providing a more complete

picture of the distribution of red and grey squirrels than standardised monitoring

results provide alone. Therefore, for a more complete overview of distribution in time,

conservation activity records and sightings from a variety of sources across known red

squirrel range within the same time frame (1st March-31st May) were also used to create

additional distribution maps.

This report includes overall monitoring results in regards to red and grey squirrel

detection, changes in red and grey squirrel detection over time, and results within

different counties, national parks, red squirrel reserves and strongholds. It also

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represents the extensive contribution of volunteers to the monitoring programme and

to the conservation effort across the north overall.

2. Methodology

The annual monitoring programme occurs each year in spring between 1st March and

31st May. The study area is located within current known red squirrel range across

northern England with surveys delivered primarily in woodland habitat; some located

within private gardens. No standardised monitoring was undertaken in east Lancashire,

other parts of Yorkshire or lowland County Durham as there is no current evidence of

red squirrel presence in these regions.

The Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) Monitoring Strategy, written in 2012,

identified a minimum sample size of 200 monitoring sites to reasonably detect changes

in squirrel range over time. Each survey site is located within a defined tetrad (a 2 x

2km square). During the 2018 programme 290 sites were surveyed. In brief, within

each tetrad, one survey was carried out during a 15 day period using one of the

following methodologies: baited trail camera survey, baited visual transect survey or

observed feeder survey. Of the 290 surveys completed this year, the number of surveys

per method is as follows: 232 trail cameras surveys, 38 visual baited transect surveys

and 20 observed feeder surveys. Sticky pads for hair collection were attached to the

underside of feeder box lids during trail camera and feeder surveys and within hair

tubes during visual transects. These hair samples provide a backup in the event of

camera failure or unclear images and improve the probability of detecting which species

is present at a survey site. Each survey method involves repeated visits to a site over 15

days, enabling the calculation of detection probabilities associated with each method

and habitat type. The implicit assumption is that no squirrels have entered or left the

tetrad (either by immigration/emigration or birth/death) during the 15 day survey

period. These survey methods are described in detail on the RSNE website, available to

download as pdfs at: http://rsne.org.uk/squirrel-monitoring-programme.

There were a minor number of changes to methods or exact locations this year for a

number of reasons: for example due to recent felling work or site access issues. Aside

from these enforced changes, surveys remained standardised within the same locations

and using the same methods, as in previous years, to enable comparisons over time.

Counties and national parks

To determine results within different counties and national parks, geographical

boundaries for each county and national park were used for analysis in GIS. Some

tetrads overlapped boundaries, therefore exact survey site grid references were used to

determine county or national park site allocation. Survey sites with grid references

outside a national park or county boundary were disregarded from that particular

analysis. One county (Tyne and Wear) was disregarded from county analysis as the

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sample size within the county boundary was too low. Surveys conducted within red

squirrel range in the Merseyside area include two sites in the county of Lancashire.

Therefore, for the purposes of county analysis, Merseyside and Lancashire were

combined.

Compiled records and additional data

Current red and grey squirrel distribution maps produced in this report were compiled

from a variety of data sources, documenting red squirrel conservation activity between

1st March and 31st May 2018. In addition to standardised monitoring data, conservation

activity data includes grey squirrel control and non-standardised red and grey squirrel

monitoring (monitoring that does not adhere to the same methods used in the RSNE

monitoring programme). Records of grey squirrels trapped, shot or observed are

collected by the RSNE team, by local volunteers (mostly operating within the network of

groups under the banner of Northern Red Squirrels (NRS)) and by individuals working

for other conservation organisations or private estates. These records are submitted

periodically to RSNE using standardised recording forms. In addition, distribution maps

include sightings of red squirrels submitted directly to RSNE via the sightings page on

the RSNE website http://rsne.org.uk/sightings. Sightings of both red and grey squirrels

are also compiled by NRS groups and by other organisations. These are then submitted

to RSNE, and verified as far as possible. Verification of public sightings ensures place

names match the map location selected by record submitters on the website, followed

by whether the sighting is located within known current red squirrel range. Unusual

sightings are investigated to seek additional information, such as a description and

photograph. Public sightings failing these checks have not been included in analyses. All

records submitted to RSNE by June 30th 2018 were used to compile red and grey

squirrel distribution maps.

3. Results

3.1 Standardised monitoring

290 sites were monitored with red squirrels detected in 42.4% of total surveys sites and

grey squirrels detected in 47.9% of total survey sites. 30% of sites were red squirrel

only, 35.5% were grey squirrel only, and both species were detected at the same sites in

12.4% of surveys. No squirrels were detected in 22.1% of surveys. Overall results and

the geographical distribution of survey sites are displayed in Fig. 1.

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Fig. 1. Results for all 290 survey tetrads from annual monitoring in spring 2018

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3.2 Comparison of standardised monitoring results between spring 2017 and

spring 2018

The number of surveys completed in 2017 and 2018 were similar, with 294 completed

in 2017 and 290 completed during this year’s programme. In terms of results

comparison (Table 1), the number of surveys in which red squirrels were detected

decreased, from 45.2% in 2017 to 42.4% this year. The number of sites in which grey

squirrels were detected increased from 42.8% in 2017 to 47.9% this year. Site

occupancy over time (from 2012 to 2018) is further explored in section 3.3.

Table 1. Comparison of overall results between spring 2017 and spring 2018.

Number of tetrads and percentage of total number of sites

Result Spring 2017 Spring 2018 Change in number

Red only 99 (33.6%) 87 (30%) -12

Both red and grey 34 (11.5%) 36 (12.4%) +2

Grey only 92 (31.2%) 103 (35.5%) +11

No squirrels 69 (23.4%) 64 (22.1%) -5

Total red occupancy 133 (45.2%) 123 (42.4%) -10

Total grey occupancy 126 (42.8%) 139 (47.9%) +13

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3.3 Spring monitoring results 2012 to 2018

The survey programme was established in spring 2012 and has provided standardised

monitoring each spring for seven years. An overall comparison of results from 2012 to

2018 is presented here (Fig. 2). For the purpose of this comparison, results from the

two autumn survey monitoring rounds (in 2012 and 2013) are not included. Spring

2012 is the baseline for the programme; however it is worth noting that considerably

fewer survey sites (255) were monitored in 2012 compared to subsequent surveys.

Fig. 2 Red and grey squirrel site occupancy for all spring surveys 2012-2018. Site

occupancy is shown as a percentage of the total number of surveys completed each year.

Site occupancy, or detection, over time demonstrates the fluctuations in range of both

species of squirrel across the study area. Following a measure of stability in red squirrel

range since 2015, this year red squirrel site occupancy decreased by 3% and grey

squirrel site occupancy increased by 5% in comparison to results in 2017. Results over

time demonstrate an increasing trend in grey squirrel site occupancy since 2016.

Results this year show a return to grey squirrel site occupancy levels detected in 2015.

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3.4 County results

Results per county include surveys conducted only within current known red squirrel

range and sites are not located county wide (Table 2). The number of survey sites per

county varied, with totals detailed below. Northumberland contained the highest

number of survey sites whereas Merseyside and Lancashire contained the least. The

county of Tyne and Wear was not included in this analysis as the sample size within the

county boundary was too low.

Table 2. Results by county detailing the percentage of red and grey detection and total

number of sites surveyed within each county.

County No. of sites with reds

No. of sites with greys

No. of sites surveyed

Cumbria 68 (57.1%) 57 (47.8%) 119

Northumberland 37 (26.8%) 69 (50%) 138

North Yorkshire 11 (55%) 4 (20%) 20

Merseyside & Lancashire

7 (63.6%) 7 (63.6%) 11

Merseyside and Lancashire had the highest detection percentage of both red and grey

squirrels, yet the lowest number of sites surveyed. Cumbria had a high level of red

squirrel detection (57.1%) and Northumberland had the lowest detection percentage of

reds (26.8%). Grey squirrel detection was high in Northumberland (50%) and also in

Cumbria (47.8%). The greatest difference in detection percentages was within the

county of North Yorkshire.

3.5 National park results

Results displayed here include only survey sites located within each national park

boundary (Table 3). The Northumberland National Park (NNP) and Yorkshire Dales

National Park (YDNP) included 26 total survey sites within the national park

boundaries respectively. The Lake District National Park (LDNP) included a higher

number of total survey sites (57) in comparison to the other two parks.

Table 3. Results by national park detailing the percentage of red and grey detection and

total number of sites surveyed within each park.

National Park No. of sites with reds

No. of sites with greys

No. of sites surveyed

LDNP 35 (61.4%) 29 (50.8%) 57

NNP 11 (42.3%) 4 (15.3%) 26

YDNP 16 (61.5%) 4 (15.3%) 26

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Results were generally positive for red squirrel detection in all three national parks

surveyed. The highest detection of red squirrels was within the YDNP (61.5%), followed

by the LDNP (61.4%). Grey squirrel detection in survey sites within the LDNP was

above 50%. The greatest difference in detection percentages was within the YDNP.

3.6 Compiled records: standardised monitoring, conservation activity records &

public sightings

Maps documenting red and grey squirrel distribution, or range, are included in the

appendix (Figs. 6 and 7). These maps were compiled by combining standardised

monitoring results with conservation activity records and public sightings between the

dates of 1st March and 31st May 2018. The contribution made by the addition of control

data and sightings data submitted to RSNE is detailed in Table 4. Note that grey squirrel

distribution data is mainly from the documentation of grey squirrel management.

Table 4. The number of tetrads with recorded red and grey squirrel detection for the

period March to May 2018. This data was combined to produce compiled distribution

maps (Figs. 4 and 5).

Number of tetrads

Standardised monitoring

Conservation activity records & public sightings

Total

Red squirrel 123 227 350

Grey squirrel 139 371 510

Conservation activity and public sightings data documented red squirrel detection in a

further 227 tetrads in addition to those detected during standardised annual

monitoring. Grey squirrels were recorded in an additional 371 tetrads over the same

period. The total number of tetrads in which grey squirrels were detected is higher than

the total number of tetrads in which red squirrels were detected.

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3.7 Red squirrel reserves and strongholds

Reserves

Fig. 3. Standardised monitoring results in the 17 red squirrel reserves during the 2018

programme

Fig. 3 details the results from 63 survey sites located within 15 out of the 17 designated

red squirrel reserves. Two of the reserves were not surveyed (Raylees and Garsdale)

and only one site was surveyed at Kidland due to felling restrictions. Red squirrels were

detected in 13 reserves and grey squirrels were detected in five reserves. Reds were

present in 54% of all surveys within reserve woodlands and grey squirrels were present

in 27%. Out of the total reserves surveyed, red squirrels were the only species detected

in nine reserves during the monitoring programme. These include: Greenfield,

Greystoke, Kidland, Kyloe, Sefton, Uswayford, Whinlatter and Widdale. Grey squirrels

were detected in all three reserves within the Slaley complex, at one site in the

Thirlmere reserve, and at five sites within the Kielder reserve.

Strongholds

Several of the strongholds merge together, forming seven different stronghold

complexes that are geographically connected: (i) Kyloe, (ii) Harwood and Raylees

complex, (iii) Kielder complex, (iv) Slaley complex, (v) North Lakes complex, (vi)

Yorkshire Dales complex and (vii) Sefton Coast (see appendix, Fig.8).

0 5 10 15 20 25

Dipton/Dukeshouse

Garsdale/Mallerstang

Greenfield

Greystoke

Harwood

Healey/Kellas

Kidland

Kielder

Kyloe

Raylees

Sefton

Slaley/Dukesfield

Thirlmere

Uswayford

Whinfell

Whinlatter

Widdale

Number of Tetrads

Re

serv

es

Red only

Both species

Grey only

No squirrels detected

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Fig. 4. Standardised monitoring results within the seven stronghold complexes in 2018,

illustrating the number of sites and results within each complex.

Fig. 4 highlights the results and the number of tetrads surveyed within each of the seven

stronghold complexes. The number of survey sites within each complex varied,

reflecting the difference in size of these areas. There were high levels of red squirrel

detection across sites in the Yorkshire Dales (71.4%), the North Lakes (74.2%) and

Sefton (70%). Following a significant increase in grey squirrel detection in the North

Lakes stronghold between 2016 (22.2%) to 2017 (41.6%), grey squirrel detection

increased by a small margin in 2018 (42.8%). Detection of grey squirrels in the

Yorkshire Dales was particularly low with greys observed in only 4.8% of sites

surveyed. Red squirrel detection results within the Kielder complex were lower (25%)

than grey detection (46.1%) across 52 total survey sites. Grey detection was highest

within the Slaley complex in 77.2% of sites surveyed and red detection was lowest

(9.1%) in comparison to other strongholds.

Strongholds over time 2012 to 2018

Table 5 details red and grey detection results over time within each stronghold

complex. Detection of red squirrels remained consistently high over time within the

Kyloe, Sefton, North Lakes and Yorkshire Dales complexes. The overall monitoring

results (a minor decrease in red detection and an increase in grey) are reflected in both

Harwood and Kielder this year, in comparison to results in 2017. Grey squirrel

detection over time within the Slaley complex remains high.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Sefton

North Lakes complex

Yorkshire Dales complex

Kielder complex

Harwood complex

Slaley Complex

Kyloe

Number of Tetrads

Stro

ngh

old

s

Red only

Both species

Grey only

No squirrels detected

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Table 5. Red and grey results in stronghold complexes for all spring surveys, 2012-2018.

Detection is shown as a percentage of the total number of surveys completed each year.

3.8 Community involvement

Delivery of the annual monitoring programme would not be possible without the help of

volunteers. This year the number of participants was similar to 2017, with over 160

people involved in the delivery of surveys, analysis of results, and arranging access or

delivering survey equipment. Local red squirrel community groups sustained their

contribution to the programme, accounting for 110 (38%) surveys delivered. The

remaining 145 (49%) surveys were delivered by a number of different groups,

including individual volunteers, private estates and other conservation organisations

(Fig. 5).

Fig 5. Delivery by different groups of the 2018 monitoring programme out of 290 total

surveys.

110 (38%)

38 (13%)

145 (49%)

Local RSGs

RSNE staff

Other volunteers

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4. Discussion

The annual monitoring programme continues to aim for longevity, building a

standardised, long-term dataset evidencing changes that may occur to red and grey

squirrel range over time. The programme this year continued to document fluctuations

in red and grey squirrel site occupancy across northern England. The detection and

non-detection of both species through standardised monitoring contributes towards an

understanding of red and grey distribution in areas where grey squirrels are managed

as a conservation intervention measure; this helps to gauge the success of red squirrel

conservation activity across the project area. The completion of the 7th round of this

programme in 2018 and the number of people involved is a considerable achievement.

87% of surveys were carried out by volunteers, representing a significant collaborative

effort and an extensive contribution towards programme sustainability.

One of the key messages to take from this year’s results is that red squirrels are still

widely distributed across northern England. Red squirrel site occupancy has decreased

in comparison to 2017 results; however this is a minor overall decrease (by 3%) across

the whole project area. Grey squirrel site occupancy has increased for another

consecutive year, returning to levels documented in 2015. This increase could be

natural fluctuation similar to results documented in previous years. The trend in grey

squirrel range results between 2013 and 2015 is similar to results between 2016 and

2018. There are a number of factors that may influence these fluctuations and provide

context to the monitoring results. These include human conservation intervention

(control of grey squirrel numbers) and environmental variation (including weather and

natural food supply).

Spring monitoring results 2012 to 2018

Comparison of site occupancy results, or detection, over time supports the identification

of trends (see Fig.2.). In 2013 there was a small increase in red squirrel site occupancy,

with reds detected in 50.3% of surveys whereas grey squirrel site occupancy decreased,

with detection in 30.3% of surveys. However, the overall number of surveys in 2013

increased by 35, which may have influenced these percentage changes. The increase in

grey squirrel site occupancy documented in 2014 continued in 2015, rising to 46.5%,

following reports of abundant broadleaved seed crop and a mild winter. These

environmental factors may provide some context to the increase in grey squirrel

detection in 2015. During the 2018 monitoring programme there were no significant

changes in the number of sites surveyed and no reports of an abundance of natural food

sources to aid interpretation of the increase in grey squirrel detection.

A level of stability, or maintenance, in red squirrel range was reported from 2015 to

2017. In 2018 reds were detected widely across the project area, however overall

detection decreased by a small proportion (42.4%) compared to results in 2017

(45.2%).

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A potential concern is the increasing trend in grey squirrel detection. However, it is

worth emphasising that a similar level of grey squirrel detection occurred in 2015 and,

despite the threat posed by grey squirrels, reds remain present across much of northern

England. The results from the annual monitoring programme demonstrate that where

there is a collective will, red squirrels can be successfully conserved.

County and national park results

In a departure from previous annual monitoring programme reports, analyses of results

per county and per national park have been included. Overall results across different

counties varied considerably. Across Cumbria results for reds were positive, with

detection in 57.1% of surveys within the county. Red squirrels were widely present in

west Cumbria, the central and northern Lake District and in the Eden Valley. Grey

squirrel detection overall in Cumbria was also relatively high (47.8%), highlighting that

this is a key interface county where continued red squirrel conservation intervention is

required.

Northumberland contained the highest total of tetrads surveyed yet red squirrel

detection across the county as a whole was low, at 26.8% in comparison to 50% grey

squirrel detection. Detection of greys on the western and southern fringes of Kielder

Forest remains a concern, despite sustained and ongoing grey squirrel management in

this area. High grey squirrel detection around Haydon Bridge, Corbridge and Hexham

also represents a significant conservation challenge, with no immediate solution in

areas where there is no effective landscape-scale grey squirrel management. Red

squirrels were the only species detected in a number of areas within Northumberland in

survey sites at Kielder, North Tyne, Redesdale, Harwood, Wallington and further north

in Kyloe. The poor overall county result may be influenced by the high density of survey

sites around the Hexham/Slaley area where, despite significant conservation

investment in the last five years, grey densities and distribution remain high.

In Northumberland National Park (NNP) results were more positive with red squirrel

detection considerably higher (42.3%) than grey squirrel detection (15.3%). Detection

of red squirrels was also high in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNP) with reds

detected in 61.5% of surveys. The same numbers of sites were surveyed in both YDNP

and NNP, with the same low level of grey detection (15.3%). Landscape characteristics

are considerably different in the Lake District National Park (LDNP) with higher density

and connectivity of woodlands in comparison to both NNP and YDNP. As a consequence,

there were a higher number of survey sites within the LDNP. This suitability for

squirrels and connectivity of woodland habitat is reflected in the results with a

relatively high percentage of both red and grey detection, with reds detected in 61.4%

and greys in 50.8% of sites. Red squirrels are well distributed within the LDNP overall

and therefore are in need of further acknowledgement and significant conservation

investment.

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A number of caveats exist with regard to analysing results by county and national park.

The number of surveyed tetrads differed per county and per national park and as such

comparisons are not statistically sound. Surveyed tetrads are located within current

known red squirrel range, however in some counties red squirrel range is extremely

limited and geographically restricted, for example in Lancashire, Merseyside and North

Yorkshire. Therefore results do not reflect squirrel density and distribution across these

counties as a whole, where it is assumed that grey squirrels are widespread. The

difference in results between Cumbria and Northumberland may be due to areas of

more clustered tetrads in Cumbria compared to areas of more scattered tetrads in

Northumberland. These variations in geography, landscape and habitat may have a

bearing on results. Results per county and national park may simply detect fluctuations

in red and grey squirrel range. As the monitoring programme continues, results over

time per county and per national park may be able to document real changes or

highlight emerging trends. It might also be possible, in future reports, to provide

retrospective analysis of results for counties and national parks.

Compiled records

The strength of the annual monitoring programme is in the standardised

documentation of red and grey range fluctuation over time. However these results do

not reflect the complete distribution of both squirrel species across the project area. A

more detailed picture is possible through the collation and analysis of records from a

variety of sources, culminating in additional distribution maps (Figs 6 and 7). It should

be noted that grey squirrel distribution represented is within feasible red squirrel range

only; the assumption is that grey squirrels are widely present in other areas of northern

England.

Red squirrels were documented in a total of 350 tetrads and greys in 510 over a three

month period from submitted records. The majority of grey squirrel distribution data

comes from records of grey squirrel control activity and therefore represents spatial

documentation of greys culled. These figures are likely to be an underestimate of red

and grey squirrel range and grey squirrel control effort due to data that was either not

captured or not submitted to RSNE. Equally it is a snapshot in time, captured over a

three month period. However, these distribution maps help to highlight the scale of the

conservation effort, and associated data collection across northern England.

Additional records help to demonstrate red squirrel presence in areas where reds were

not detected during standardised monitoring. For example, reds were picked up from

additional records in Northumberland at Derwent reservoir, Wark, Morpeth, Chatton,

Greenhead and Cragside (Rothbury). The number of red squirrels recorded in south

east Northumberland paints a positive picture for that area. In Cumbria around

Windermere and Grizedale, standardised results detected either grey squirrels or no

squirrels, yet additional records confirmed red squirrels were present around

Ambleside, Rusland and Newby Bridge. Mapping these additional records highlights

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where further conservation activity may be needed. Additional records also helped to

map red squirrel distribution in areas where there are no existing standardised survey

sites: around south east Northumberland in Cramlington and Bedlington, to the north of

Newcastle at Hazelrigg, the west coast of Cumbria around Whitehaven, east of Carlisle,

and in Sedbergh.

Community Involvement

Community involvement in the monitoring programme remained high in 2018 with

over 160 people involved. This extent of community participation enabled the

programme to be delivered by an extensive range of different interest groups including

community red squirrel groups, independent volunteers, private landowners and

managers, and volunteers or staff from other conservation organisations. The number

of surveys delivered by RSNE staff decreased from 77 surveys in 2016 to just 38 surveys

in 2017, with an identical figure in 2018. This level of community involvement is

essential to the delivery and sustainability of the programme. One of the critical

challenges will be maintaining project resources in order to manage this volunteer

workforce and the subsequent delivery of the programme. These evidence based results

can aid informed decisions and help to provide a focus for future red squirrel

conservation efforts.

Red squirrel reserves and strongholds

In 2006 17 red squirrel reserves in England were selected by the government for

protection. These red squirrel reserves consist of largely coniferous forestry plantations

where red squirrels were assumed to be at less of a competitive disadvantage to grey

squirrels in comparison to the surrounding landscape. Around these reserves, the

Forestry Commission designated 5km area buffer zones in which landowners were able

to apply for English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) funding to carry out control of

grey squirrels. The reserve and buffer zones are collectively referred to as strongholds.

EWGS closed in 2014 and has now been replaced by Countryside Stewardship offering

incentives to landowners who are keen to undertake red squirrel conservation within

both these designated areas and across red squirrel range in northern England.

Strongholds continue to be recognised as significant areas for red squirrels and still

warrant analysis as they present consistent units, with a high percentage of annual

monitoring sites located within them. 2018 results for many of the reserves and

strongholds are similar to those detailed in 2017 and it is clear that the status of some of

these designated areas remain questionable. Grey squirrels were detected in the

majority of sites within the Slaley stronghold, reflecting both the halt in conservation

work, due to the lack of funding, and limited community effort in the area. However, red

squirrels were also detected in a small number of surveys, perhaps as a result of

historical conservation effort and resources invested in and around the Slaley

stronghold. A significant challenge remains in finding resources to continue a

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programme of grey squirrel management in this area with extensive woodland

connectivity, close proximity to urban areas and little community conservation effort.

Higher detection of reds amongst some strongholds such as Kyloe and Sefton must be

taken in the context of the relatively low number of sites surveyed within these

strongholds. As such, minor changes in detection percentages can appear more

pronounced. The most pronounced difference in detection percentages was in the

Yorkshire Dales stronghold, with extremely low grey detection (4.8%) compared to high

red detection (71.4%). Reds were also detected in a high percentage of sites in the

North Lakes stronghold, although the number of sites in which greys were detected was

also relatively high at 42.8%. This was no significant increase in grey squirrel detection

within the North Lakes from results in 2017; however grey only sites in areas to the

south of this complex remain a potential concern.

Comparison of red and grey squirrel detection within stronghold complexes over time

highlights both fluctuations in squirrel range and consistent detection results. Detection

of reds remains high over time in the Kyloe, North Lakes, Sefton and Yorkshire Dales

complexes. There was a decrease in red detection within the Yorkshire Dales complex

this year (71.4%) in comparison to 2017 (86.9%). However, there was a significant

decrease in grey detection within the same complex from 17.3% in 2017 to a low of

4.8% in 2018. This may reflect the conservation work undertaken in the area, but may

also be due to an increase in sites surveyed within the stronghold this year. Results over

time in Slaley demonstrate no great fluctuations, with grey detection consistently high.

The highest red detection result within Slaley in 2014 (24%) was during the midst of a

programme of grey control in the area. Results since 2014 demonstrate that this work

has had little lasting impact, yet red squirrels have still been detected each year.

Red squirrel detection was higher than grey squirrel detection within all designated red

squirrel reserves emphasising the continued importance of a number of these forests

for red squirrel populations. Red squirrels only were detected in nine out of 15 reserves

surveyed. Thirlmere reserve returned mixed results, however a RSNE programme of

quarterly monitoring and grey squirrel management around Thirlmere reservoir

continues. Results around Whinfell Forest (where no reds were detected during

standardised monitoring) were to be expected as the red squirrel population in this

reserve continues to recover from a squirrel pox virus outbreak in 2017. However,

additional records did detect red squirrels within the Whinfell reserve and surrounding

area.

Kielder, the largest red squirrel reserve in England, remains a concern. Red squirrel

detection results in the reserve itself were higher than red results within the stronghold

as a whole. Within the Kielder stronghold, greys were detected in more sites than reds

in each of the last four survey programmes (2015-2018). This continues to highlight the

need for sustained conservation effort in and around Kielder in order to protect the red

squirrel population. RSNE is currently delivering an early warning quarterly monitoring

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system in order to detect grey squirrels around the fringes of Kielder Forest as part of

the Red Squirrels United project. Two rangers, one located in the north Tyne area and

one in Kershope Forest in Cumbria, deliver grey squirrel management around the forest

borders, working proactively and in response to quarterly monitoring results. Grey

squirrels continue to follow established incursion routes from the south, using major

river corridors such as the Irthing and Liddle in Cumbria and the North Tyne in

Northumberland. Further exploration is needed in order to understand more about the

red squirrel population deeper into Kielder Forest, where there is an assumption that

the extensive monoculture (dominated by Sitka spruce) is an effective barrier to grey

incursion and colonisation.

Conclusion

The completion of the 2018 annual monitoring programme across 290 sites in three

months is a significant logistical challenge. The successful delivery of the programme

highlights the collective commitment of more than 160 people, over 80% of which are

volunteers. The programme this year has continued to document wide spread red

squirrel distribution across northern England; this continued detection of red squirrels

over the project area is due to the extensive red squirrel conservation effort across the

north. A decrease in the detection of reds in some survey sites and an increase in grey

detection amongst others is a pattern that has been observed in previous annual

monitoring results. However, the increasing trend in grey squirrel site occupancy since

2016 is a potential concern and it is crucial that there is no subsequent decrease in

conservation effort across the north of England. Delivery of this conservation work is

relentless and long-term and the most significant challenge remains in sustaining this

effort, particularly as funding sources decrease and become more difficult to access.

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Appendix: Additional maps

Fig. 6. Distribution of red squirrels recorded March – May 2018 in tetrads across

northern England. Records compiled form standardised monitoring, conservation

activity records and public sightings submitted to RSNE directly or via NRS groups.

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Fig. 7. Distribution of grey squirrels recorded March – May 2018 in tetrads across

northern England. Records compiled form standardised monitoring, conservation

activity records and public sightings submitted to RSNE directly or via NRS groups.

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Fig. 8. Map of the seven stronghold complexes: The 17 strongholds are grouped together

where there is geographical connectivity forming seven stronghold complexes.