Support red squirrels in the Lake District

The rare and much-loved native red squirrel still survives in the Lake District, but they are under constant threat and need your help to survive

A red squirrel at Allan Bank in Grasmere Cumbria — A red squirrel at Allan Bank

Keep red squirrels alive in the Lakes

Against the odds native reds still survive in the Lake District. But they are under constant threat from the non-native grey squirrels that carry a deadly virus. We work with local squirrel groups to protect reds in our woodlands. But we need your help to do more.

How the appeal adds up

Surveys in 2017 found red squirrels in 55% of Cumbria's woodlands
... and grey squirrels in 41% of Cumbrian woodlands
More than 99% of reds that catch the pox virus will die
We need your help to raise £30,000 a year to protect red squirrels

Squirrel feeders must be regularly cleaned to reduce risk of disease being transferred from passing greys.

Your gifts can give reds the best possible chance, and help to keep our feeders stocked all year with nuts and seeds.

We’ve joined forces with our local squirrel groups, whose specialist rangers help to make the Lakes an ideal home for reds.

Donate to Support red squirrels in the Lake District

Red squirrel appeal

£10 could help to provide nutritious nuts and seeds

£20 could help to monitor feeders and keep them clean from disease

£50 could support specialist squirrel patrols and surveys

Or enter your own amount

Where to see red squirrels

Red squirrels of Borrowdale

Red squirrels are in decline in the UK due to the proliferation of grey squirrels and the spread of squirrel pox. Find out how we're helping red squirrels thrive.

A red squirrel standing on a tree trunk with a nut in its mouth

Red squirrels at Aira Force, Lake District

Aira Force, in the Lake District is a great spot for red squirrel watching, and there's even a volunteer squirrel ranger who looks after the squirrel population.

Looking after red squirrels at Allan Bank

Once a popular sight in England and across the UK, and the UK’s only native squirrel species, the red squirrel is now suffering a major decline. Read on to find out how we're looking after the red squirrels in Grasmere and visit us for your chance to see one.

" Visitors love to see rare red squirrels here. But support is vital to help fund their continued protection in our woodlands."

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For everyone, for ever.

Fundraising Regulator

Donate now