New campaign spotlights unchecked deforestation in England’s last strongholds for reds

A powerful new petition is calling on the UK Government to act swiftly to protect England’s dwindling red squirrel population, as vital woodland habitats continue to be felled at an alarming rate.

Despite red squirrels being officially listed as *‘Near Threatened’*¹, large-scale commercial deforestation is ongoing across the North of England, often with little oversight or consequence.

Launched on Change.org, the petition has gained over 2,500 signatures in just five days:

🔗 https://www.change.org/save-our-reds

Backed by conservationists, wildlife advocates and grassroots volunteers across Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, the campaign urges Ministers to enforce existing wildlife legislation, bolster legal protections, and ensure that at least 20% of both public and private woodland is safeguarded for biodiversity.

Campaign organiser Marie Carter-Robb (pictured), an animal welfare advocate based in the North Pennines – an area where reds are now rare – said:

“This isn’t just about saving a cute woodland creature. Red squirrels are part of our cultural and ecological heritage.

“If we allow their extinction on our watch, we send a dangerous message about the value we place on native wildlife and wild places.”

Marie added:

“Red squirrels have fascinated me since childhood. I loved watching their playful antics on holidays in Scotland and the Lake District, especially. They’ve even inspired me to write a children’s book about reds, which is due out later this month – more news soon!”

Among the supporters is filmmaker Terry Abraham, whose BBC documentary Cumbria’s Red Squirrels helped inspire the launch of the campaign.

Terry said:

“Red squirrels are more than just an iconic species – they’re a symbol of Britain’s vanishing wilderness.

“I’ve witnessed the dedication of local volunteers, who give their time year after year to protect these animals, often with little support or recognition.

“It’s time government policy caught up with the reality on the ground.”

County Durham-based conservationist Sue Fowler added:

“Without local eyes on the ground, many red squirrel habitats would be lost without anyone noticing.

“Volunteers are doing everything we can – but we need proper policy and protections in place before it’s too late.”

The petition will also be submitted via the official Parliament Petitions website in the coming days.

Red squirrels have been pushed to the brink since the grey squirrel was introduced from North America in the 1870s. Greys outcompete reds for food and habitat and carry the deadly squirrelpox virus, which they survive but reds do not. Once widespread, reds are now largely confined to scattered pockets in northern England, Scotland, and a handful of islands.

With just an estimated 140,000–160,000 red squirrels left in the UK – compared to 2.7 million greys – the odds are heartbreakingly stacked against our native species.

¹ Listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List and by the UK Mammal Society (2020).

Main image (above): The stark reality of habitat destruction in one of England’s last red squirrel strongholds.

Image 2: Marie Carter-Robb, red squirrel campaigner and animal welfare advocate, pictured in one of northern England’s remaining upland landscapes – still home to scattered populations of native red squirrels. Also pictured: her dog Rufus, one of three much-loved Cavaliers.