How has Trees for Life helped red squirrels in Scotland?

Trees for Life has run a 10-year reintroduction program, successfully relocating hundreds of red squirrels to establish new thriving populations across the Highlands.

Why are red squirrels important to Scotland's forests?

Red squirrels contribute to forest expansion by planting new trees when they bury and forget the locations of their stored nuts and seeds.

What threats do red squirrels face in the UK?

Red squirrels face threats from habitat destruction, being killed as pests, and a deadly virus carried by invasive grey squirrels, alongside squirrel pox.

Home / Environment / Red Squirrels Thrive in Highlands After Decade-Long Rewilding

Red Squirrels Thrive in Highlands After Decade-Long Rewilding

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Red squirrels expanded range over a quarter in Highlands.
Rewilding program relocated hundreds of squirrels to new homes.
Scotland hosts 80% of the UK's 200,000 red squirrels.

Red Squirrels Thrive in Highlands After Decade-Long Rewilding

A 10-year reintroduction program has led to a significant expansion of red squirrels across the Scottish Highlands. The species, which once neared extinction in Britain due to pest control and habitat loss, has seen its range grow by over 25%. Trees for Life, a rewilding charity, successfully established more than a dozen new populations in areas from Ullapool to Lairg.

These successful reintroductions, moving squirrels from healthy populations to safe havens, are crucial for their survival, particularly against threats like the virus carried by invasive grey squirrels. The initiative also aids forest regeneration, as red squirrels inadvertently plant trees by burying nuts and seeds.

The project aims to further expand the species' range within the Highlands as part of a broader rewilding effort. This includes plans to reintroduce other keystone species like lynx and beavers, contributing to the restoration of Scotland's native wildlife.