Understand
Red squirrel sightings more than double on the Wallington Estate following Storm Arwen recovery efforts
Overview
Red squirrel sightings on the Wallington Estate in Northumberland have more than doubled compared to the previous year, following a severe setback caused by Storm Arwen in 2021. Rangers recorded 37 individual sightings in 2026, up from 16 in the whole of 2025. This recovery is attributed to targeted grey squirrel control and woodland management, alongside recent successful breeding confirmed by sightings of a juvenile red squirrel.
Key points
- Red squirrel sightings on the Wallington Estate have more than doubled, with 37 sightings recorded in 2026 compared to 16 for the whole of 2025.
- The population previously suffered a major setback when habitats were destroyed by Storm Arwen in 2021.
- Lead ranger Helen McDonald attributes the success to increased management of woodland and the control of non-native grey squirrels.
- The team has removed 225 grey squirrels this year to help protect the red squirrel population.
- A juvenile red squirrel has been recently spotted, confirming that the population is successfully breeding on the estate.
- Future plans include planting new woodlands to provide food for red squirrels and potentially encouraging pine martens to help naturally control grey squirrels.