With February marking the start of red squirrels’ breeding season, wildlife fans are now more likely to spot one of the UK’s rarest critters than ever.
With the Isle of Wight home to the UK’s densest population of red squirrels, Isle of Wight static caravan sales provider Away Resorts has compiled the 5 best locations for spotting the creatures over the weekend.
- Quarr Abbey
Located near Ryde, Quarr Abbey is famous for its historic architecture, but its surrounding woodlands are a haven for red squirrels. The mix of conifers and mature deciduous trees provides ideal shelter and foraging opportunities. To get closer to nature, visitors can utilise the wildlife viewing area, with binoculars available to borrow. The abbey grounds are open to the public, with parking nearby and well-maintained paths suitable for all ages.
- Borthwood Copse
A National Trust site, Borthwood Copse offers an enchanting forest setting with plenty of red squirrels to spot. Walkers may see squirrels darting among the hazels and pines, particularly around areas with supplementary feeders. The woodland also has flat walking paths, making it ideal for families. Free parking is available at designated lots close to the main entrances.
- Parkhurst Forest
This large forest near Newport is home to one of the island’s most famous red squirrel populations. Parkhurst’s combination of pine and broadleaf woodland creates an ideal habitat. Visitors are encouraged to move quietly along the marked trails, and binoculars can help with distant sightings. Ample car parking is available, and the forest can be accessed from several entrance points.
- Shanklin Chine
Although better known for its dramatic gorge and waterfall, Shanklin Chine is also a red squirrel hotspot. The woodland walkways along the Chine are lined with conifers and offer great vantage points for spotting squirrels in the treetops. The site has parking facilities and a visitor centre, making it a convenient option for families.
- Alverstone Mead
Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve combines riverside paths with woodland habitat, offering red squirrels a rich and varied environment. The wooded edges and scrub areas make sightings frequent for those walking quietly along the trails. This location is ideal for photographers and nature lovers, with on-site parking and clearly marked routes suitable for all abilities.
Kate Watts, spokesperson for Away Resorts, said:
“Red squirrels are one of the UK’s most charming and elusive wildlife species, and the Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to see them up close. Whether you’re a keen wildlife photographer or just looking for a family-friendly adventure in nature, these five spots give visitors the best chance to encounter these delightful animals while enjoying the island’s beautiful scenery.”
I have regularly seen red squirrels in many locations on the island, often surprisingly closely and often in locations, and at times, when I wouldn’t normally expect to see them. I agree the area around Quarr/Fishbourne/Binstead is a good spotting area when quiet, particularly early mornings and evenings, but totally disagree about Parkhurst Forest. Despite numerous walks through and around the forest at all times of the year, often in the less visited areas – and yes, quietly – where they might be expected to be found I have never seen, even at a distance, a red squirrel – or any evidence of them even having been around (even at the special red squirrel hide). Has anyone else had better luck there? Is the ‘home to one of the island’s most famous red squirrel populations‘ now just a myth being spread by the Forestry Commission/Forestry England, or is this population, because it has achieved the celebrity status of being the ‘most famous‘, like some of their human counterparts, become the most secretive/shyest/timidest of all those on the island?
They can be seen almost daily in Bembridge on my dog walk. Often just galloping around on private lawns or along fences.