Red Squirrel Organisations

The red squirrel scene in England is quite confusing with apparently overlapping organisations. The roles of RSNE and Northern Red Squirrels are different and complementary.   RSNE  has a small team of paid staff to carry out their work. They work closely with Northern Red Squirrels which has been formed by all the local voluntary groups working together. 

Red Squirrels Northern England

Red Squirrels Northern England (RSNE) is a red squirrel conservation partnership working right across northern England.

The project is principally based in Cumbria, Northumberland, Merseyside, Lancashire, north-west Durham and the Yorkshire Dales, in and close to areas where red squirrels are still living free in the landscape.

Our fifth year of work continues extremely encouragingly with:

  • confirmed signs of stability in red squirrel range
  • enormous active support from voluntary red squirrel groups and land managers
  • new understanding provided by research.


Northern Red Squirrels is an umbrella group that has been created to unite all independent voluntary groups and individuals who are working to help save our red squirrels from extinction in the North of England. It is a 'network of voluntary action' that shares news, ideas and best practice. Each member group remains completely independent to allow it to address issues within its own area in the most appropriate way.

Northern Red Squirrels also provides information, advice and guidance to enable and encourage more people to become involved in red squirrel conservation.

Since its launch in March 2008, Northern Red Squirrels has attracted over forty independent voluntary groups and individuals to join forces and the number is still rising.

Northern Red Squirrels aims to:

  • Improve the effectiveness of voluntary groups and individuals by providing information, advice and guidance to ensure consistency of approach to conservation activities
  • When required, co-ordinate any action taken jointly by several groups and individuals
  • Provide support and guidance for people who wish to become involved in safeguarding red squirrels in the North of England, including those who wish to set up their own voluntary group in an area where none currently exists
  • Contribute to the work of the funded groups such as Red Squirrels Northern England by supporting their activities