Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most recognisable and best-loved native species. They’re also strictly protected under UK and Scottish law, which means that if your project site is in or near red squirrel habitat, you need to plan accordingly.
This isn’t a niche issue. Red squirrels are present across much of the Scottish Highlands and southern Scotland, and their range overlaps significantly with areas where infrastructure development, forestry operations, and renewable energy projects are taking place. It comes up more often than people expect.
Why Are Red Squirrels Protected?
Red squirrels were once found throughout Britain but have declined dramatically, largely due to the spread of the non-native grey squirrel. Greys outcompete reds for food and also carry squirrelpox, a virus that is fatal to red squirrels but doesn’t affect greys. Scotland is now one of the last remaining strongholds for the species in the UK, which makes Scottish populations particularly important.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, red squirrels are a fully protected species. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take a red squirrel, or to damage or destroy a structure used for shelter or protection — in other words, a drey.
When Does This Affect a Construction Project?
If your project involves vegetation clearance, tree felling, or any ground disturbance in areas where red squirrels are present or likely to be present, it needs to be considered at the planning stage.
The key triggers are:
Woodland habitat within or adjacent to the project footprint, particularly conifer woodland, which red squirrels favour. Existing records of red squirrels in the area — a desk study will pick this up. Any requirement to fell or disturb trees that could contain dreys.
Unlike some protected species, red squirrels don’t require a licence simply because they’re present in the area. The offences relate to disturbance, deliberate harm or destruction of dreys. That said, in practice it means you need to know where they are and what they’re doing before work starts, so that you can plan vegetation clearance to avoid causing harm.
What Does a Red Squirrel Survey Involve?
Surveys focus on finding evidence of red squirrel presence and activity — dreys, feeding signs such as stripped pine cones, footprints, and occasionally direct sightings. The surveyor will assess the site and immediately surrounding habitat to build up a picture of how the squirrels are using the area.
Surveys are best carried out in autumn and winter when dreys are more visible and feeding signs are easier to find, though evidence can be detected year-round by an experienced surveyor.
What Happens If Red Squirrels Are Present?
Finding red squirrels on or near your project site doesn’t automatically mean work can’t proceed. It does mean that a mitigation strategy needs to be put in place. This typically involves timing vegetation clearance to avoid the breeding season where possible, checking trees for dreys immediately before felling, and considering whether any habitat enhancements can be incorporated into the project — nest boxes, for example, or retaining connectivity between woodland blocks.
For larger projects, a red squirrel mitigation plan may be required as a planning condition or as part of the broader ecological management documentation.
The Bigger Picture
Red squirrel conservation in Scotland is a coordinated effort. A number of Red Squirrel Ranger schemes and conservation groups operate across the country, and there’s a well-established network of people working to maintain and expand stronghold populations. Developers and contractors working in red squirrel areas have an opportunity to contribute positively to that effort, not just to tick a compliance box.
Getting ecological advice early — before survey seasons are missed or clearance work is planned — is always the better approach. A short conversation at the start of a project can save a lot of time and complication further down the line.