Red squirrels are the only type of squirrel found in Jersey. The red squirrel was introduced to Jersey by local naturalists in 1885 and has colonised in our small woodlands ever since. The Island is an important refuge for this vulnerable species.
Early in the 20th century, grey squirrels from North America were introduced to mainland Britain. The aggressive grey squirrel competes fiercely with the native red squirrel. This has caused a dramatic decline in red squirrels in Britain to the point of almost extinction. Fortunately, grey squirrels were never introduced to Jersey.
Threats
The biggest threats to Jersey's red squirrel population are cars, cats and the fact that the small areas of woodland in the Island are fragmented. 20,000 hedgerow trees have been planted to provide cover along the routes used by squirrels to get from one woodland to another.
Many squirrels make use of feeding stations in private gardens. You can purchase squirrel feeders at local garden centres.
Legal Protection
The Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 provides local protection for Jersey’s red squirrels.
Where to see red squirrels
Some locations to see red squirrels in Jersey include:
- the Railway Walk
- St Catherine's Woods
- St Peter's Valley
Red squirrel disease monitoring programme on JSPCA website
gov.je