January is a prime time to spot red squirrels, and a new study has highlighted the best Scottish locations
A red squirrel feeding by a pool. Its reflection is in the still water and set in a natural woodland setting(Image: Getty Images)
January is an ideal time to spot one of the UK’s most distinctive winter residents, the red squirrel, as the endangered species becomes more active during the early stages of mating season. With fewer leaves on the trees and more energetic movement through the branches, wildlife watchers have a better chance of seeing the native squirrel in its natural habitat and appreciating the richness of Britain’s winter wildlife.
Building on this seasonal opportunity, Scottish holiday park provider Verdant Parks has revealed the best places to spot red squirrels this January. The study highlights several locations across Scotland as top viewing spots and coincides with the company’s partnership with Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, which aims to encourage responsible wildlife watching and increase public awareness of the species.
According to the research conducted by Verdant Parks, Argaty Red Kite Centre in Perthshire ranks as the number one location for spotting red squirrels this month. The wider area has recorded 11,132 red squirrel sightings, with seven of those logged directly at the Argaty site, making it the leading destination for enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse.
Verdant Parks has listed the best places in Scotland to spot red squirrels this January(Image: Getty Images)
Perthshire also takes second place, with Moncreiffe Hill named as another prime location for sightings. Visitors are encouraged to walk slowly and quietly through the woodland while keeping an eye on the treetops, as red squirrels are often seen moving swiftly through the branches rather than on the ground.
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate in Dumfries and Galloway ranks third on the list. The estate sits within an area that has seen 8,928 recorded red squirrel sightings and offers a varied landscape with a wide range of plant life and habitats that support native wildlife.
Close behind in the rankings are The Knock of Crieff in Perthshire and Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries and Galloway, both of which are well known for their woodland environments and established red squirrel populations.
The best places to spot red squirrels this January
Rank
Location
Area (classified by NBN)
Region
Red Squirrel Spotting Index (RSSI)
1
Argaty Red Kite Centre
Perthshire
Scotland
57
2
Perthshire
Scotland
55
3
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
51
4
Knock of Crieff
Perthshire
Scotland
50
5
Dalbeattie Forest
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
49
5
Mabie Forest
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
49
6
Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre
Perthshire
Scotland
45
7
Galloway Forest Park
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
44
8
Carstramon Wood
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
42
9
Stenhouse Wood
Dumfries and Galloway
Scotland
41
10
Pow Hill Country Park
County Durham
England
37
Commenting on the findings, Verdant Parks chief executive Mike Wilmot said: “Red squirrels are among the most beloved native species we have in Scotland and England, and we’re lucky that a number of our parks sit in areas where you can still spot these brilliant creatures.
“With native species like the red squirrel facing growing threats, getting more people out to see them gives us a much better shot at keeping them around for future generations.”
Molly Martin, Communications and Engagement Officer at Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, also shared practical advice for those hoping to increase their chances of a sighting.
She said: “The best way to spot red squirrels is to look for clues, use your ears, and try to stay still and quiet! Our top tips are:
“Look out for stripped pinecones in coniferous woodlands as a sign they’re in the area. Red squirrels are cone specialists, but they also eat nuts, berries and even fungi, so keep an eye out in any patch of woodland with mature trees.
“You might hear them scrabbling around or chattering in the trees above you before you see them, so keep an ear out!
“Red squirrels are active all year round, and early morning and evenings are when you’re most likely to see the flash of orange hopping around on the forest floor.
“If you spot a red or grey squirrel, you can add it to our map at scottishsquirrels.org.uk/sightings”