Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight.

Red squirrels are the only squirrel native to the British isles.

They are disappearing from the mainland fast because of the American grey squirrel invasion .The Isle of Wight is an important stronghold with no grey squirrels as the Solent acts as a barrier.

There are plans for dealing with grey squirrels if they do arrive on the Isle of Wight . Not only do the grey squirrels outdo the reds for food but also carry the deadly squirrelpox virus which is fatal to the reds.

It is illegal to bring grey squirrel into red squirrel territory .The penalty is two years jail or £5000 fine.

The isle of Wights woodland can provide habitat for 3500 squirrels at their peak red squirrels on the island numbers change of course when their young are born .

In the spring they can be seen nibbling shoots and buds . Around July the hazelnuts ripen so a good source of food . Squirrels also like fungi ,beech and sweet chestnut.

Where gardens back onto woods ,squirrels are often fed and travel back and forth across gardens . I often see them from my patio doors and they often travel across my patio ..so fast .
Today I have seen twelve which is very unusual, but also very exciting .

All these photos are taken by me ..