Submit a squirrel or pine marten sighting 

Sightings of both red and grey squirrels, and pine martens, can be submitted via our online recording facility, throughout the year, where they are added to an interactive map to help keep track of squirrel movements across the country.  

Red squirrels are a priority species of conservation concern in Northern Ireland, having faced huge declines since the introduction of the invasive grey squirrel in the 19th century, alongside habitat loss. Grey squirrels carry Squirrelpox, a disease fatal to native red squirrels but to which greys are immune, and out-compete reds for food and territory.  

Sightings help us build a bigger picture and better understand how the distribution of each species is changing over time

Ross McIlwrath, Priority Species Officer with Ulster Wildlife, is encouraging everyone to get involved and submit sightings.  

“Red Squirrel Awareness Week is a great time to get outside for an autumnal walk and spot squirrels in woodlands and parks as they forage for nuts for winter,” he said. 

“Although we are aware that iconic reds are present in Counties Armagh and Tyrone, the extent of their distribution remains a mystery. In addition, our previous squirrel surveys over the last five years indicate that greys are retracting in County Tyrone, but we urgently require additional information.  This year, we received reports of red squirrels in County Tyrone forests where they have been absent for many years, which is exciting.” 

Mr McIlwrath said sightings from the public were vital in helping to “build a bigger picture”.  

“Sightings help us build a bigger picture and better understand how the distribution of each species is changing over time. They can also help us identify situations where grey squirrels pose an immediate threat to our local red population, allowing us to make a big difference to red squirrel conservation efforts.” 

Learn more about red squirrels, the best locations to see them, and how to get involved with your local red squirrel group