The Return Of The Red Squirrels?

In the Lake District, the native red has seen the same decline as many other parts of the United Kingdom, since the introduction of its grey cousin from overseas. There are however, exceptions, such as Whinlatter Forest, where the red squirrel is strong in numbers.

As a region, Cumbria-The Lake District has been at the forefront of trying to counteract this trend and various organisations have been proactive in taking this forward. The Forestry Commission and Save Our Squirrels for example will help these Lake District squirrels, through the opening of a site near Keswick which will allow us to view them in their natural habitat and therefore understand them better.


In Windermere there are various projects, funded by local organisations which will help favour the red squirrel. One Lake District Hotel is a prime example of this; Hillthwaite House Hotel in Windermere has recognised the problem and raised over 15,000 through encouraging guests to donate 1 every time they stay. This is increasingly important as there are only around 21,000 red squirrels remaining in the whole of the UK. While the grey squirrel does not directly attack the red, they tend to be less affected by breeding pressures, can more easily digest acorns and pass on a virus which is more likely to kill the red squirrel; all attributes which have assisted their population growth to the detriment of the native Red.

Further information can be found at the Save Our Squirrels website and the Forestry Commission website. Those interested in staying over at one of the many lake district hotels, which support red squirrel projects can try Hillthwaite House Hotel.

By: jennyhicks

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Hillthwaite House Hotel is one of the finest Lake District hotels, situated between Windermere and Bowness. Enjoy high quality Lake District hotelaccommodation and fine food in this perfectly situated hotel in Windermere.

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