Gardeners can help endangered red squirrels stay healthy this autumn by planting certain native trees and shrubs, rather than leaving out food, according to the British Pest Control Association.
Red squirrels often visit gardens in autumn to forage as temperatures drop, and bird feeders can attract them as they need to eat heavily to build fat reserves for winter. Female red squirrels need to gain significant weight to breed, so a natural food source can support local populations.
Why planting beats feeding
Kathryn Eccles from the British Pest Control Association explained that growing plants is more useful than feeding red squirrels directly. She said: "Unlike their grey cousins, who you might see foraging on the woodland floor, red squirrels prefer to spend most of their time high up in the trees."
"If you can, try to plant large trees, like ash, birch, and willow trees, and bushes and shrubs that grow fruit, like holly, crab apples and brambles."
Leaving out food can attract grey squirrels, which carry a virus that is fatal to red squirrels and is the most common cause of their deaths.
Best trees and shrubs to grow
Scots pine is among the best trees for red squirrels, as its cones contain seeds they love, but they will also eat from hazel trees or silver birch. Crab apple trees, brambles, raspberries, and bird cherries are all good food sources.
Hawthorn hedges, dog roses, and guelder roses can provide protective cover, making red squirrels feel safer in a garden. Leaving a small grassy area unmowed encourages insects for them to eat and offers hiding cover.
Check local squirrel populations first
Before planting, gardeners should check their local wildlife conservation website, as encouraging red squirrels where grey squirrel populations are high risks bringing the two species into closer contact, increasing disease transmission or leading to fights.
In areas with many red and grey squirrels, it is better to leave them alone but monitor them. If squirrels show lesions on their face or paws, this could signal a squirrelpox outbreak, and it should be reported to a wildlife conservationist.
