Easter is a particularly good time to look for red squirrels on the Isle of Wight as natural food sources are becoming more abundant and they are anxious to build up their strength and fat reserves after winter. As well as eating they are also strengthening their drays, either in readiness for breeding or, for early starters, protecting their new-born kits. The Isle of Wight is one of the few areas in England that enjoys a permanent red squirrel population and below are locations where you are likely to see them over the Easter break. You should follow the countryside code and preferably don’t take dogs with you as the squirrels will see them first and rapidly disappear. Be quiet and take all litter home. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars as reds are likely to be up in the tree canopy. Vanessa Fawcett, campaign director of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, explains:
“There are approximately 38,900 reds in England and the Isle of Wight is a significant stronghold. Easter is so important as a good breeding performance helps protect and grow the local population. “We want to encourage people to look for them in the wild but do not approach too closely and please, if you take your dog, keep it on a lead. A major threat to them is the non-native grey squirrel, many of which carry a pox that is harmless to them but almost inevitably fatal to our native reds. If members of the public do see reds, we would be grateful if they would report any sightings here.
Locations where you may see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight…
Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve This is one of the best sites for red squirrels on the Island. This group of reserves is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. It is home to a thriving red squirrel population where you can see them leap from tree to tree from a dedicated squirrel hide. Osborne House Formerly Queen Victoria’s summer house where the beautifully maintained grounds and woodland make the perfect home for red squirrels. Enjoy the house, grounds and Queen Victoria’s private beach while keeping your eyes peeled for some reds. The Garlic Farm Popular with foodies and you might be lucky enough to spot a red or two. 
In my garden daily
Love to watch them.
Don’t forget Gurnard Pines in the nature forrest we have a very good family around this area and the campsite in general
Beautiful, delicate and agile creatures, with the Island being one of the last bastions for them after mainland Britain’s population has been ousted out, by greedy, disease ridden, pushy, aggressive and destructive outsiders, who destroy what has taken nature millennia to perfect.
We, have a lot to learn from looking at nature.
Sadly not the greys fault, but mans intervention as always
Rylstone Gardens 110%
I thought that had fallen into the sea?
My garden is one place. There are two or three every day.
Beautiful doesn’t come close in describing these wonderful animals but it’s a good place to start.Keep your eye on the cats.Many reds are on their menu.Witnessed it once.
All the reds are locked up in Alex Dyke’s garage as he may be the radio legend but he does like a grey one.
Robin hill was a great place let’s see if they keep it as beautiful as it has beeen