- Increase suitable habitats: Conserve and expand red squirrel habitats by planting trees (especially conifers) and connecting existing woodlands. Encourage landowners to manage their woodlands sustainably.
- Reduce and control grey squirrels: Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat. Methods include trapping and humane culling, installing feeders designed to exclude greys, and raising the canopies of trees to make it harder for greys to access red squirrel dreys.
- Address disease: Monitor red squirrel populations for disease outbreaks, especially squirrel poxvirus. Implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission.
- Raise public awareness: Educate people about the plight of red squirrels and encourage them to report sightings. Encourage landowners to report squirrel pox cases to the relevant authorities.
- Support conservation organizations: Organizations like the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and the Wildlife Trusts work to conserve red squirrels. Volunteer, donate, or support their campaigns to make a difference.
Remember that the conservation of red squirrels involves coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including landowners, conservation organizations, government agencies, and the general public.