Red squirrel distribution and monitoring

International and national distribution

Red squirrels are found throughout most of Europe, covering a diversity of habitats, altitudes, and climatic variations. View a map of global distribution. Distribution and populations of red squirrels has changed substantially in the United Kingdom following the introduction and spread of grey squirrels. Read more about red squirrel population change.

Regional distribution

The following links show maps relating to the local distribution of squirrels in the North of England:

Northern England squirrel distribution Oct 2006-May 2009

Northumberland squirrel distribution 2006-late 2008 

Cumbria squirrel distribution 2006-late2008

The maps on squirrel distribution data have been created primarily from public sightings records. These maps give a good indication of where red and grey squirrels are found, however it should be noted that the density of sightings is not truly representative of squirrel numbers (high numbers of sightings around towns are more indicative of the high human populations).

Report your sightings 

As the maps demonstrate, public sightings data is very important in helping us to monitor where red squirrels remain, and where grey squirrels are dispersing. Please report your sightings of red or grey squirrels.

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