Red squirrel populations across Cumbria have recovered to the delight of wildlife experts.

An annual survey run by Red Squirrels Northern England has reported that red squirrels can still be widely found across the region.

Red squirrel sightings have been recorded recently in towns and villages all over Cumbria including Penrith, Keswick, Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven.

After a bad year in 2015 where grey squirrel numbers increased, RSNE are pleased to report that this has been reversed in 2016.

Across the north, there has been a general trend of more red squirrel numbers than their grey counterpart.

There have been tough years faced by one of the most iconic British animals.
Loss of natural food sources, combined with the rise in the invasive grey species has seen their numbers dwindle.

However, this year, sightings of grey squirrels were down 10 per cent compared to last year.

This is in contrast to red squirrel numbers that stayed the same - 44 per cent of surveyed sites seeing activity.

Simon O'Hare of RSNE said: "I suppose you've got to be tentative about red squirrel conservation news, but, it's great news.

"In particular because we'd had a couple of years before when greys did really well."

Mr O'Hare singled out the efforts of ordinary people in Cumbria in making sure the threat to red squirrels was kept under control.

He said: "If the situation wasn't being managed, we would definitely be looking at red squirrel extinction.

"But, that is not the case because we have people working to keep reds alive.

"If you were to take that away, then they would probably be doomed."

Fortunately, extinction is not a prospect on the horizon thanks to the thousands of people to help monitor red squirrels across the north of England.

Nick Mason, RSNE Project Manager, said: "We are really pleased by the fantastic news that red squirrels have remained stable since the last survey, having been a little concerned by the rise in greys over the last two years.

"This monitoring programme would not be possible without the help of over 140 volunteers who each year are willing to carry out surveys and we are really grateful for their help."

Surveys like this one do a great deal to help conservationists understand both squirrel populations.

By understanding more about habitats and numbers seen, they are better equipped to ensure the red squirrels survival.

Mr O'Hare said: "It is an ongoing battle, but we plan to do this survey for as long as we can.

"It shows that over five years, we can monitor red squirrels and see that they are maintaining their range across the north."

For more information on monitoring red and grey squirrels, Mr O'Hare urged members of the public to visit the Red Squirrels Northern England website at www.rsne.org.uk