Ten secret red squirrel spots

Autumn is the best time of year to spot red squirrels as they spend more time on the ground burying nuts and seeds. Red squirrels are harder to find than their grey cousins, so to see one you need to be patient and know where to look! Here's ten forests across the country to start off your search with your family!

The entire island is a nature reserve and home to many wonderful birds and beasties, including sika deer, grey heron and little egret. The red squirrel is well looked after here, and it is one of the few places in southern England where you can find them.

You're bound to spot some bushy-tailed reds here, either on the Hamstead Heritage Coast or further inland. Parkhurst Forest has a squirrel hide ideal for picnics while you wait for the shy squirrels. You must be quiet and watch carefully to spot them...

Islands away from the mainland help conservationists protect the red squirrels, which is why they are great places to look for them. Newborough Forest is part woodland and part beach, so you can spot a squirrel or two while making a sandcastle!

You won't find many red squirrels in the centre and south of England but the north of England and Scotland is their stronghold. Just outside Liverpool, Formby is another nature reserve for reds. Check out their scent-marking behaviour!

Taking you through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve, the trail includes some breath-taking scenery and a special red squirrel viewpoint mid-way along the walk. As of 2025, sightings of red squirrels have been reported near the West Yorkshire border, so conservation efforts in the Dales have been successful!

Set in the Lake District, the Whinlatter Forest Park is another nature reserve so red squirrels feel quite at home! Listen out for their 'chuk-chuk' call, it means they've been startled and you should go quietly.

Called the 'Queen of the Glens', Glenariff is a spectacularly picturesque setting for red squirrel watching! Set along the many forest trails are waterfalls, bridges and some stunning views.

Not only is this forest a red squirrel priority woodland, but it is also the biggest forest park in Britain so don't get lost! Red squirrels don't hibernate so bury nuts in the ground. See if you can spot one digging at the base of a tree!

Don't miss The Hermitage, a picturesque woodland walk in Craigvinean Forest, complete with waterfalls and towering trees. If you're looking for a quiet spot to take in the view and spot a red squirrel, this could be it!

Set in the heart of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, the forest is several centuries old. Much of the forest ground is covered in rich purple heather, so keep your eyes peeled for scampering red squirrels!

Remember that red squirrels are wild, even though they look friendly. They're very shy so don't try to pick them up or you might frighten them. 

If you've spotted any red squirrels or if you've visited any of these places, comment below and let us know!

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