Caring for Cragside's Red Squirrels
Cragside is one of a few locations that has a population of the UK’s native red squirrels. Smaller and nimbler than their grey, American cousins, they have ginger fur that tufts around their ears and soft bushy tails.
If you hear a rustle on the forest floor, scan the ground. Be quick, as they're shy and fast on their feet. Usually, they like to hang out in the canopy of the trees, but they do come down to the ground to find food.
Where to spot red squirrels
They live across the grounds but their speed and agility make them tricky to spot. You may be lucky enough to see one darting along the path ahead of you or hopping across branches overhead, especially in areas where the woodland opens up. Sightings have included:
- around Nelly’s Moss Lakes
- along the paths near Cragend quarry
- in the woodland next to the Debdon Burn
- high up in the trees in the Pinetum
Why red squirrel conservation is needed
We run a conservation programme to care for the red squirrel population at Cragside. Introduced to the UK in the 19th century, the non-native grey squirrel is larger and can often outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat. It also carries squirrel pox, a disease that is largely harmless to grey squirrels but often fatal to reds. Carried on the paws and in the mouths of the grey population, it's spread through contaminated feeding areas and direct contact. If a red squirrel is infected, it can sadly die within a couple of weeks.
Species monitoring
Both red and grey squirrels live within Cragside's woodland, making regular monitoring essential. We use a range of techniques to understand how their populations are changing over time.
Surveys
We carry out annual surveys at locations on the grounds. As the red squirrels are sensitive to noise, they take place in quieter areas away from main footpaths and buildings.
The survey route includes a series of feeding stations with wildlife cameras opposite. Each feeder is fitted with strips of Velcro that collect small hair samples when a squirrel stops to feed. These samples are examined under magnification to identify the species accurrately - as red squirrels have some grey fur and vice versa.
We also use a similar technique with specially designed tubes lined with Velcro. As squirrels pass through to reach food, hair samples are collected for analysis. Images captured by the wildlife cameras help us confirm the species and build a clearer picture of squirrel activity across the estate.
Volunteer research
We also work with volunteers who carry out observation surveys and monitoring at these locations. To minimise disturbance, they remain as still and quiet as possible and wear neutral, darker-coloured clothing that blends into the surrounding environment.
You can get involved
If you spot a red or grey squirrel during your visit, you can email us at cragsideconservation@nationaltrust.org.uk with a date, time and location of your sighting. If you’ve been out walking and you’re unsure of your exact location, you can use a What3Words reference.
Every squirrel sighting helps. If you're lucky enough to spot a red or grey squirrel during your visit, please let us know. Your observation could contribute to the conservation of one of the UK's most treasured native species.
What we do with the data
We respond quickly to reports of grey squirrels by setting traps to catch and control the non-native population.
Records of both red and grey squirrel sightings are submitted to Red Squirrels North East, helping to build a wider picture of how populations are faring across the region and beyond.
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