About Save Our Reds Day
If you take a stroll through the ancient woodlands of the UK, you might be lucky enough to catch a flash of russet fur and a tufted ear disappearing into the canopy.
The red squirrel is one of Britain’s most beloved native mammals, but unfortunately, seeing one has become a rarity for most of us.
These charismatic creatures are currently facing a tough battle for survival, making it more important than ever to understand their story and how we can support their conservation.
The decline of the red squirrel is a complex issue, but it primarily boils down to two main factors: habitat loss and the introduction of the Eastern grey squirrel from North America in the 1870s.
While the greys might look cute to some, they have had a devastating impact on our native reds. Greys are larger and more robust, allowing them to outcompete reds for food and territory. Even more concerning is the squirrelpox virus; while grey squirrels carry it without harm, it is fatal to red squirrels, often wiping out entire local populations in a matter of weeks.
Did you know? Red squirrels can hang upside down! They have specially adapted ankles that can rotate 180 degrees, allowing them to climb down trees head-first.
Today, red squirrels are largely confined to the northern reaches of England, the Highlands of Scotland, and a few isolated islands like the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island.
The numbers tell a stark story. Current estimates suggest there are only about 140,000–160,000 red squirrels left in the UK, dwarfed by a massive population of approximately 2.7 million grey squirrels.
This imbalance has put the red squirrel on the near-threatened list, sparking massive conservation efforts across the country.
Did you know? Unlike many other mammals, red squirrels do not hibernate. They build nests called 'dreys' out of twigs and moss to keep warm during the chilly British winters.
Protecting these woodland icons isn't just about nostalgia; it's about maintaining the biodiversity of our forests.
Red squirrels play a vital role in forest regeneration by burying seeds and nuts, many of which eventually grow into new trees.
What is Save Our Reds Day?
Save Our Reds Day is a new annual awareness day highlighting the plight of Britain's red squirrels, now classified as endangered in England and Wales, with as few as 15,000 remaining.
The day is observed on the third Friday in May, which coincides with International Endangered Species Day.
Save Our Reds Day is organised by Save Our Reds, a campaign launched in 2025 which became a Community Interest Company in 2026. To date, the campaign petition has attracted over 70,000 signatures, and a national poll of 1,590 people found that 99% of the British public want stronger red squirrel protections and 39% have never seen one in the wild.
The campaign has been covered by The Guardian, Country Life, and the Daily Star, among many others, and is supported by BBC filmmaker Terry Abraham.
By tying Save Our Reds Day to Endangered Species Day, the aim to give red squirrel conservation a dedicated, recurring national platform.
Related Observances
National Endangered Species Day
Read More
Similar Observances
Other Observances on May 15th 2026
National Tuberous Sclerosis Day
Read More
Teacher's Day 👩🏫
Read More
