Jersey's Red Squirrels Thrive While England's Face Extinction

On Jersey, a small Channel Island, red squirrels are everywhere. Visitors from mainland UK travel there just to glimpse what has become increasingly rare back home: thriving populations of these russet-furred creatures.

While England's red squirrels teeter near extinction with just 120,000 to 160,000 left nationwide, Jersey has become an important refuge. The secret to their success is simple: grey squirrels never made it to the island.

Grey squirrels carry a virus that's deadly to red squirrels but harmless to themselves. On Jersey, that threat doesn't exist, giving red squirrels the space they need to flourish.

Henry Glynn, an ecologist with the National Trust of Jersey, says visitors tell him that seeing red squirrels is often their main reason for visiting. "That is actually really special for them," he explains.

The species wasn't always here. Red squirrels were introduced to Jersey in 1885, but over nearly 140 years they've become "naturalised," woven into the island's ecosystem and culture.

Nina Powell, senior animal carer at the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says you can spot them almost anywhere on the island. The JSPCA has handled 50 red squirrels this year alone, including hand-raising eight orphaned babies called kits.

Why This Inspires

What makes Jersey's story remarkable isn't just nature working in the squirrels' favor. It's how islanders have embraced them as their own.

Residents put out feeders in their gardens and report sightings just because they're excited to share the news. The island has installed rope bridges to help squirrels cross roads safely, and low speed limits protect them from traffic.

Nature reserves provide protected habitat even as development pressures grow. Legal protections make harming red squirrels a criminal offense.

"They're really beloved amongst the local community," Glynn says. "A lot of people put out squirrel feeders or love to see them in the garden."

Powell notes that each squirrel has its own distinct personality. Some are sweet and curious, while others want nothing to do with humans, which is exactly how the JSPCA prefers to keep them: wild and independent.

The red squirrels have even starred in Visit Jersey tourism campaigns, including one featuring conservationist Ben Fogle. For an island just 45 square miles, they've become true ambassadors.

While 75% of Britain's red squirrels now survive only in Scotland, Jersey proves what's possible when an entire community decides to protect what matters. What started as an introduction in the Victorian era has become a conservation success story powered by collective care.