At Whitewater Hotel, guests often ask about local wildlife.
One animal that stands out is the red squirrel.
This post covers red squirrels in the Lake District.
It answers common questions and gives facts on their status, spots to find them, and work to protect them.
Are There Red Squirrels in the Lake District?
Red squirrels still live in the Lake District.
They are native to the UK and have strong populations in parts of Cumbria.
Numbers have stayed steady in northern England since 2012, thanks to volunteer efforts.
But challenges exist. Competition from grey squirrels and squirrel pox have caused declines in some areas.
In 2025, groups hope for better times after tough years.
The Lake District remains a key area for red squirrels, with about 200,000 across the UK, most in Scotland and northern England.
Sightings happen in woodlands and forests, but they are not as common as grey squirrels in other parts of Britain.
Red squirrels prefer conifer woods, where they eat seeds from pine cones.
They also like mixed forests with nuts from hazel and beech trees.
In the Lake District, these habitats support them well.
Recent reports show stable groups in places like Ullswater and Keswick areas.
A colony was even found in North Yorkshire nearby in early 2025, showing they can spread with help.
Still, threats mean ongoing watch is needed to keep them here.
Where to See Red Squirrels in the Lake District
Many spots in the Lake District offer chances to see red squirrels.
Look in quiet woodlands early in the morning or late afternoon when they are active.
Bring binoculars and stay still to avoid scaring them.
- Whinlatter Forest near Keswick: This large forest has trails and feeders that attract red squirrels. It is a top spot due to its size and management for wildlife.
- Aira Force near Ullswater: Managed woodland here suits red squirrels. Walk the paths around the waterfall for good views.
- Dodd Wood near Keswick: Ospreys share this area, but red squirrels visit feeders. It is easy to reach and has viewing points.
- Allan Bank at Grasmere: This National Trust site has gardens and woods where red squirrels appear often.
- Greystoke Forest near Penrith: Trails through this forest give chances to spot them in a calm setting.
- Haweswater: Remote oak woods here act as a safe haven. It is less busy, so sightings feel special.
- Grizedale Forest: Bike and walk paths lead through areas with red squirrels.
- Tarn Hows: A short loop walk might reveal them in the trees.
- Smardale Nature Reserve near Kirkby Stephen: This reserve has good habitat for red squirrels.
- Ennerdale: Wild valley with forests that support red squirrels.
Other places include Mirehouse near Keswick and Argill Woods Nature Reserve.
Check local signs for tips on where they feed.
Best Place to See Red Squirrels in the Lake District
Whinlatter Forest stands out as the best place.
As the largest forest in the area, it has dedicated trails and viewing hides.
Feeders draw red squirrels close, making photos easy.
Aira Force comes next, with its managed woods and paths that suit family visits.
For a wild feel, Haweswater offers peace and strong populations in Naddle Forest.
Pick based on your walking level – Whinlatter has easy access, while Haweswater needs more effort.
Tips for success: Go in autumn when they gather food.
What is the Story with Red and Grey Squirrels in the UK?
Red squirrels are native to the UK, present since after the last ice age.
They once lived across the land.
Grey squirrels came from North America, first brought in 1876 as garden animals for big estates.
More imports happened up to the 1930s. Greys spread fast – by 1930 in southeast England, and by mid-1940s wider.
Greys outcompete reds for food and space.
They eat more types of nuts and breed faster.
Worse, greys carry squirrel pox virus, harmless to them but fatal to reds.
This led to red declines from the late 1800s.
Reds vanished from many areas, like southern England. In the past, reds faced hunts and habitat loss too, but greys sped the drop.
Now, reds hold on in northern UK, islands, and woods where greys are controlled.
Greys number about 2.5 million, reds far less.
What is Being Done in the Lake District to Preserve Red Squirrels and Their Habitat
Much work goes into saving red squirrels in the Lake District.
Groups focus on control of greys, habitat care, and public help.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust leads surveys and volunteer programs.
They keep numbers stable with monitoring and grey culls.
Penrith & District Red Squirrel Group protects local areas through traps and education.
Westmorland Red Squirrels plants trees and raises funds for nests.
Habitat efforts include tree planting in woods like Grasmere, where groups improve areas for reds.
The Lake District Foundation raised money in 2019 for conservation, aiding rangers and tools.
National Trust sites like Aira Force manage land to suit reds, with no-greys zones.
The Red Squirrel Recovery Network, new in 2025, aims to boost populations UK-wide with shared plans.
Volunteers spot greys and report to apps.
Some places use feeders and cameras to track health.
Threats like pox and roads get addressed with safe crossings and vaccines in trials.
Public campaigns teach not to feed greys. These steps help reds thrive.
Where to Stay When You Visit the Area
If you plan to see red squirrels in the Lake District, stay at Whitewater Hotel.
It sits close to many top spots like Whinlatter Forest and Aira Force.
Rooms offer comfort after a day on the trails.
Enjoy meals made from local food and views of the landscape. Staff can share tips on wildlife sightings.
Book a room to make your trip easy and rest in a place that cares about the area.
