Comeback: it’s nut the end of red squirrels

RED squirrels are reclaiming a coastal peninsula in the North after a major drive to save the under-threat species.

Red populations have been all but wiped out in most parts of Ireland after a century-long takeover by the invasive grey squirrels, started when they were first brought to the island as an ill-considered wedding gift.

But the Ards peninsula in Co Down is now one of the reds’ last remaining strongholds and the Mount Stewart estate on the shores of Strangford Lough has led the fightback.

The grounds were once famous for the amount of red squirrels that lived there, but in recent years numbers plummeted.

An effort to reverse the decline started in 2015 when newly appointed National Trust area ranger Toby Edwards took on the task.

He has been working with volunteer groups and private landlords across the wider peninsula to save the reds.

In 2015 the red population on the estate was as low as 10. “That was like the last stand,” said Mr Edwards.

An intensive programme to save the species – involving a major grey cull and the creation of a buffer zone to ensure they stay away – has sparked a red recovery across the peninsula.

The red population has quadrupled in four years and now stands at an estimated 40 to45.

Monitoring technology – ranging from motion cameras to fur-capturing sticky pads on feed stations – is placed throughout the zone to ensure any potential return of the grey is quickly identified.

Mr Edwards said vigilance is key due to the risk posed by a disease-carrying grey.