Best places to spot Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight

Squirrel Spotting

The Red Squirrel is perhaps the best known and most popular wild animal on the Island.  The UK’s only native squirrel has been driven out of most parts of the country, but still thrives here on the Island.   They can be hard to spot so here are some tips to help you.

• Listen for a rustling in the treetops, you’ll often hear a squirrel moving above you before you manage to spot it.
• If you have a squirrel munching above you, you may be showered by paper-like pine cone seeds.
• Look right up into the tree canopy, Red Squirrels can balance on some very thin branches.
• Head for a spot where you are most likely to see them.  The Gift to Nature viewing hide at Parkhurst Forest was built specifically for Red Squirrel viewing – watch in comfort here.   Other good sites include Alverstone Mead nature reserve and Robin Hill Country Park, which also has a visitor centre with lots of squirrel information (for contact details see our members listings).