RED SQUIRRELS ARE HEADING FOR EXTINCTION
Red Squirrels are the UK’s only native squirrel and have lived here longer than humans
TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE THEM
Latest News
Curt Anstey’s Ticklish Squirrel Wins The RSST’s 2025 Photographic Competition
The summer of 2025 was officially the warmest and sunniest summer on record in the UK and was followed at the end of the year by some very wintry conditions. This gave our photographers the opportunity to produce some wonderful images and the Competition judges were spoilt for choice.
Curt Anstey’s image of a red squirrel having a good scratch on a moss-covered log caught the eyes of everyone and it has been chosen as the Overall Winner.
Click on the button below to view the seasonal winners.
Download the free booklet on the plight of red squirrels
What matters to us
Fewer than 287,000 red squirrels remain in the UK
Protecting our red squirrels
Without conservation management, red squirrels will be extinct in England in approximately 10 years and the rest of the UK will follow.
Securing their environment
The broadleaf woodlands of the UK, the original habitat of the red squirrel, are being devastated by grey squirrels. Greys strip bark from tree trunks and branches making them susceptible to tree pests and diseases and, in severe cases, killing the trees.
Funding research
RSST is working with the UK Squirrel Accord to bring an effective and affordable grey squirrel fertility control system to the woodlands of the British Isles.
Why red squirrels are under threat
The red squirrel population has been decimated following the introduction of grey squirrels which have spread relentlessly across the British Isles, monopolising food supplies and spreading disease.
RSST achievements
The last few years have seen significant progress, from the establishment of the UK Squirrel Accord and research into an oral contraception for grey squirrels to leading and informing public debate.
Woodland damage
Grey squirrels strip bark from the trunks and branches of young trees. Severe damage can kill the tree while milder cases involve bad scarring which is an entry point for other tree pests and disease.
Ways you can help
Make a donation
Every donation you give helps to ensure that our red squirrels survive and thrive.
Legacies
In addition to regular donations, legacies are vital as they enable us to expand the scope of our activities.
RSST Annual Photographic Competition
The RSST is looking for beautiful images that illustrate the iconic endangered species through the four seasons.
RSST Volunteer of the Year
RSST Volunteer of the Year 2025 Winner – Bill Ferguson
Bill Ferguson spent his working career between the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence. Initially as a seaman, then as a…
Nominate your next winner
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