Shrub and Tree Species

Shrub and Tree Species for Red Squirrel Conservation

The following table provides advice on which species are squirrel friendly, and those that should be avoided, covering everything from small shrubs to substantial trees:

 

Red Squirrel Friendly

Conifer Trees & Other Shrubs

Good for red squirrels, even when grey squirrels are present

Squirrel Neutral

Small Seeded Deciduous Trees

No problem – good for improving overall habitat without detriment to the red squirrel

Red Squirrel Negative

Large Seeded Deciduous Trees

Good for red squirrels but only when GREY SQUIRRELS ARE
TOTALLY ABSENT

 

Blackthorn
Hawthorn
Brambles/blackberry
Rasberry
Bullace or damson
Crab apple
Dog Rose
Guelder Rose
Holly
Bird cherry
Wild cherry
Yew
Corsican pine
Douglas Fir
Larches
Lodgepole Pine
Scots Pine
Sitka Spruce
Norway Spruce
Western Red Cedar
Other conifer species

 

Alder
Ash
Aspen
Birches
Black poplar
Box
Cypress species
Field Maple
Juniper
Limes
Rowan
Western Hemlock
Whitebeam
Willows
Wych Elm

 

Beech
Hazel
Horse Chestnut
Oaks
Sweet chestnut
Walnut
Sycamore

 

Create a Wildlife Corner

You may also see red squirrels foraging in your garden for plant shoots, fungi, and insects.
Why not create a wildlife corner in your garden? This could include planting a selection of the squirrel friendly shrubs, allowing grass and wild plants to establish and grow tall, creating hiding places and habitat features such as rocks, and providing some logs to decompose to encourage insects and fungi. This will also help to support other wildlife in your garden.

Click here for a printable version (pdf)


 

Click here to report a squirrel sighting.
Please note this link will open a new window which will take you to the Scottish Wildlife Trust website where you can record your squirrel sightings.


 

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