Red Squirrel Nest Box

The Red Squirrel Nest Box is a wooden nesting box for red squirrels, which may also be occupied by grey squirrels and other hole dwelling birds and animals. With its deep chamber and weatherproof construction, once in situ, it will give years of maintenance free service.

It has a front and side entrance to allow red squirrels to check for predators before leaving the nest chamber and it as routed grooves inside and out to assist baby squirrels gain access to the nester while still young.

In the UK the red squirrel population has declined massively in recent decades as a result of the loss of suitable coniferous woodland habitats and the introduction of the grey squirrel. Ark Wildlife have helped develop the red squirrel nest box as part of their work supporting the pockets of red squirrel populations left in the UK, but many of the features also benefit grey squirrels and jackdaws, so it’s a good investment in all wildlife gardens.

The front panel can also be removed for inspecting the nest and for cleaning. Please be aware that red squirrels are a protected species and must not be disturbed. Access to the nest area must only be while the red squirrel nest box is unoccupied or by a licensed professional.

The red squirrel nester should be sited high in mature woodland between 3m and 4m using the back plate mount. Site the box out of direct sunlight and away from the prevailing weather. The box may be half filled with very dry nesting material such as leaves, straw or hay.
Breeding red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, so an occupied nest box may only be inspected by a licensed worker.

Find out more about red squirrels: click here