Experts Warn that Formby’s Red Squirrels Could Disappear Within 25 Years

One of Formby’s most loved and iconic animals is facing an uncertain future, with experts now warning that red squirrels could disappear from England within the next 25 years if urgent action is not taken.

The warning comes from a major new report by Natural England, which sets out the growing threat to the country’s remaining red squirrel population.

Speaking following the report, Johnnie Furse said:

“If we truly care about our native red squirrel population, it is clear that decision makers will need to bite the bullet and press on with grey squirrel control, despite public opposition.”

At the end of the day, the main problem is not how to get the public on board with grey squirrel control. It is the plummeting red squirrel population and how best to reverse the species’ decline.”

The report makes clear that without significant intervention, red squirrels could be lost entirely in what it describes as a do nothing scenario.

Why red squirrels are under threat

Red squirrels have been pushed to the brink over many years, largely due to the spread of non native grey squirrels.

Across the UK there are an estimated 2.7 million grey squirrels compared to fewer than 40,000 red squirrels in England.

Grey squirrels outcompete reds for food and habitat and also carry squirrelpox, a disease that is harmless to them but fatal to red squirrels.

Why this matters so much for Formby

Formby is one of the last strongholds for red squirrels in England, particularly within the pinewoods cared for by the National Trust.

For generations, these squirrels have been part of the area’s identity, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.

Ongoing conservation work in Formby has helped protect the population, including habitat management, monitoring, and efforts to reduce the impact of grey squirrels.

But the latest warning shows that even well protected areas are not immune to the wider national decline.

A difficult but urgent decision

The report states that red squirrels cannot recover without stronger management of grey squirrel populations, including trapping.

This remains a controversial issue, with many people opposed to lethal control, but conservationists warn that doing nothing could lead to extinction.

There is cautious optimism for the future, with scientists working on a vaccine for squirrelpox and new methods to control grey squirrel populations without culling.

However, these solutions are still in development and may not arrive in time without immediate action.

For Formby, the message is clear.

Without continued conservation efforts and greater public understanding, one of the area’s most treasured species could disappear within a generation.

The sight of a red squirrel in the pinewoods is something many take for granted today but experts now warn it may not always be there.