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Posted: 31-10-2010 03:17 Post subject:

Doing a bit of “bumping” of this thread, in view of recent visit to a (sort-of) "hotspot".

I, a British citizen and resident, have loved these islands' red squirrel lifelong, but been in the presence of same, on rather few occasions – having always lived in relatively southerly reaches of the island of Great Britain, pretty much monopolised by the invading American grey squirrel.

Have in the last couple of years, spent a few holidays on the Isle of Wight (just back from one such) – as mentioned in this thread, the last significant stronghold in southern England, of the red squirrel (the intervening 2 / 3 miles-wide strait, with no bridge or tunnel, having so far kept the “greys” out). Have fleetingly sighted members of the red variety on two of these recent I.O.W. holidays; but, my word, they tend not to be easy to encounter. Not because of drastic smallness of numbers: on the island, which measures about 25 by 15 miles, there are estimated to be some 3,000 red squirrels – mostly in the more-wooded northern half of the island.

They are, basically, shy and retiring creatures – their grey American cousins / rivals tend to be much bolder. Unless one is a skilled and dedicated naturalist, squirrel encounters on the island seem to be very much a matter of luck. There are reputedly, particularly good places for seeing them. One such is Parkhurst Forest, the island’s biggest single area of woodland, where there has been set up a “hide”, as for bird-watchers, but in this case, for observing squirrels (my brief sightings, as above, have been from this structure). There is also a small park in one of the island’s resort towns, where squirrels are reputedly semi-tame and will sometimes approach visitors in the hope of handouts; but I have had no luck there. Residents on the island, with whom I have spoken, have seen squirrels on quite numerous occasions; but they have the advantage of being there all the time...

I see a certain appropriateness in this subject being featured on the “Cryptozoology” forum: conclusion reached, that going in search of Isle of Wight red squirrels is likely to be a frustrating and unrewarding business, and the optimum approach is to stop trying, and leave it to rather rare chance – a parallel with North America’s best-known cryptid, some enthusiasts for which phenomenon are wont to say, “You don’t find Bigfoot; Bigfoot finds you.”

Posted: 01-11-2010 10:26 Post subject:

I remember seeing them around the woodland areas of Robin Hill Country Park, 3 years ago, whilst I was at Bestival; they were relatively bold there.

Don't forget the other remaining southern English stronghold for the reds, Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.

Posted: 01-11-2010 10:52 Post subject:

I've seen Robin Hill recommended, but have not tried that venue. Think that on future I.O.W. visits, I'll stick to the principle of refraining from seeking the beasts -- "if I see any by chance, that's great; if not, not".

I should have mentioned Brownsea Island. Have been there, and seen red squirrels there. Would reckon Brownsea the place to go, if one wants a for-sure r.s. encounter: the island is so small, that it's akin to shooting fish in a barrel.

Posted: 01-11-2010 13:15 Post subject:

In Ireland, red squirrels are still ok west of the Shannon. Greys seemingly can't swim so well and get squashed on the bridges. So Galway, May, Sligo, Roscommon would be good. West Donegal as well.

Posted: 01-11-2010 14:03 Post subject:

I've read suggestions to the effect that more than once over the centuries, squirrels (red) have died out in Ireland, and been reintroduced by man. This feels a bit unlikely to me -- but few things are outright impossible. Confirmations / denials from anyone?

And as per ramonmercado's post, the geniuses who thought it a good idea to introduce grey squirrels to these islands, of course did their stuff in Ireland too -- according to one account, first instance of same was in 1911.

Posted: 31-01-2011 20:02 Post subject:

Posted: 02-06-2011 08:51 Post subject:

Just back from a few days on the Isle of Wight (southern England’s “Red Squirrel Central”). This visit reinforced previous personal “take”, that re red squirrels on Wight – they being shy and retiring creatures – the “Bigfoot motto” is appropriate: “you don’t find them, they find you”.

I had the good luck to encounter (unsought) a red squirrel at one of the terminal stations of the island’s preserved steam railway, quite early in the morning and way before first-train-time; it trotted along the edge of the platform, hopped down to rail-level and crossed the two rail lines, thence through the wire fence and into the undergrowth, after that unseen.

Later in sojourn on the Island, went to Shanklin, where the (tourist-trap) wooded ravine of Shanklin Chine is inhabited by red squirrels. They sometimes move between the Chine, and the adjoining open-to-the-public Rylstone Gardens, where they allegedly sometimes approach people in the hope of handouts. Spent time in the Gardens – no joy. Proceeded into the Chine (admission fee required) – no joy. A bit of a “Catch-22” situation, in that the squirrels tend to be most active in the earliest hours of daylight, but the Chine does not open to the public until 1000; still, it would be boring and self-contradictory if things re wildlife, were guaranteed ! It strikes me that the IOW’s squirrels have got it just right, as regards intriguing and tantalising the punters – maybe they’re in league with the island’s tourist board...?

Posted: 21-02-2012 23:16 Post subject:

With my passion for the Isle of Wight and the British red squirrel -- the former being the biggest remaining stronghold in southern England, of the latter... just back from a week's holiday on the Island: by far my luckiest-ever visit as regards encountering red squirrels, which tend to be very shy and retiring. Had a couple of strokes of luck re "wild encounters".

Also: have learned that there is now a venue on the Island, where red squirrels can be met with close-up, virtually guaranteed. It's a nature reserve on which the wardens, at a particular point, habituate the squirrels by leaving food for them -- go there, and squirrels will very likely be there, and come, unafraid, within a few feet of you. I went there, and experienced exactly that.

Anyone interested -- please PM me, and I'll give directions.

Posted: 22-02-2012 16:52 Post subject:

Is there still a rope "squirrel bridge" parallel to "Lady Jane's Bridge" on the Shorwell Shute? I always thought they were bright enough to use ... the human bridge.

Posted: 22-02-2012 17:16 Post subject:

Must admit to never having seen any of the IOW's reputed rope bridges for squirrels.

If squirrels are thought maybe not easily to "get it" -- that's nothing to some of the tales which I've heard, concerning endangered bats, and measures taken by conservationists, to get said bats safely across busy roads.

Posted: 24-02-2012 19:54 Post subject:

They exist ... but, in fairness, thick hawsers weren't used. Just strategic lengths of "hairy" rope put across a couple of roads, at a height that they wouldn't catch on passing high-sided vehicles such as buses.

Posted: 26-02-2012 04:05 Post subject:

Wasn't implying doubt as to the existence of the squirrel ropes ("reputed" was a poor choice of word) -- have seen photographs; only that in my (far from exhaustive) travels around the Island, I haven't happened on any.

Posted: 26-02-2012 12:42 Post subject:

Red squirrels are making a comeback round here, largely because some local organisation has been 'culling' grey ones. Isn't that some sort of colour prejudice? Smile

It does surprise me (not particularly being a nature lover) how people can classify some animals or birds as 'good' and others as 'bad'. I remember reporting an injured and trapped seagull to the RSPB and they couldn't give a toss, even to put it out of its misery.

Posted: 26-02-2012 12:59 Post subject:

Posted: 26-02-2012 18:25 Post subject: