All-Ireland survey to help track squirrels and pine martens
Members of the public are encouraged to take part in a nationwide effort to track the distribution of squirrels and pine martens across the island of Ireland throughout 2026.
If you go down to the woods today, you may be in for a big surprise - a glimpse of an elusive red squirrel or pine marten. This project invites people to become Citizen Scientists by submitting sightings of some of our most iconic woodland mammals.
Led by researchers in University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the survey aims to map the latest distribution of red and grey squirrels, and the pine marten across the island of Ireland.
Rebeccah Cogan, Biodiversity Officer with Leitrim County Council, is encouraging everyone to report their sightings to help researchers build a detailed picture of how these populations are changing. “Grey squirrels have not been recorded in County Leitrim, thankfully, but we are asking people who are lucky enough to spot a pine marten or red squirrel to support the survey. We hope they can help us study these species, whose recent history in Ireland has been a fascinating story of nature’s resilience.”
The 2026 survey is being delivered with the support of the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) in the Republic of Ireland and the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) in Northern Ireland.
Sightings of all three mammals can be recorded on the online survey forms hosted on their websites www.biodiversityireland.ie and www2.habitas.org.uk/records.
The survey is part of a long-running monitoring programme, with previous surveys carried out on four occasions since 1997, providing vital insights into long-term trends and conservation success.
The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel species, once widespread in forests and wooded areas. The introduction of the grey squirrel in 1911 has had devastating consequences on our native species through disease and competition for food, leading to the disappearance of red squirrels from large parts of the country.
For many years, the future of the red squirrel looked bleak. However, recent surveys have revealed a remarkable and unexpected turnaround, with the grey squirrel being knocked back in certain areas, and the reds showing signs of recovery. In several regions, grey squirrel numbers have declined sharply, while red squirrels are showing encouraging signs of recovery.
Research linked this shift to the successful comeback of another native species, the pine marten, this tree dwelling carnivore is one of the few predators that can successfully hunt grey squirrels. Because the red squirrel evolved alongside pine martens, they are better adapted to avoiding them and can escape danger more easily.
Dr Colin Lawton of University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences explained the significance of the new survey: “In our most recent survey in 2019, we found that the grey squirrel had all but disappeared from 10 midland counties, and the red squirrel and pine marten were doing particularly well. However, the dynamics between the three species is finely balanced and we need to continue to monitor the animals to make sure things don’t change again. The greys continue to spread in the south and some parts of the northwest, and they are doing particularly well in urban areas, where pine martens are very rare.”
Dr Lawton added: “During our last survey, we received an incredible 3,407 records of the three species from the public. This fantastic wealth of information plays a crucial role in protecting our native biodiversity. We are once again asking our Citizen Scientists to share their sightings, upload photographs and help us understand where these animals are living and how they are faring.”
Vicky Knight, Species Conservation Officer at Vincent Wildlife Trust, said: “This survey is a fantastic opportunity for people across the island of Ireland to get involved and help improve our understanding of these woodland species. At this time of year, it’s also important for householders to make sure their attics are pine marten proof. Pine martens would typically den in old tree cavities, but because these natural sites are scarce in Ireland, they are increasingly using buildings in which to rear their young. If you have recently spotted a pine marten around your home or garden, now is the time to check your attic and ensure it is secure. Practical advice on making your home pine marten proof, along with other information about the species, is available at www.pinemarten.ie which is a national resource dedicated to pine martens in Ireland.”