Squirreltober: chance to spot red squirrels in the Glens of Antrim this autumn

While Red Squirrel Awareness Week runs from October 5-11 this year, it isn’t long enough to fully showcase the red squirrels in the Glens, according to the group. “Squirreltober [is] a fantastic time of year to get out into the Glens with public events and educational talks sparking an interest in our native red squirrels – a great opportunity for you all out looking for reds on our Red Squirrel Safaris,” GRSG said.

“The Glens of Antrim has the largest number of red squirrel-only areas in Northern Ireland, from Ballycastle to Glenarm and all the woodlands in between."

Thanks to the hard work of the GRSG since its foundation in 2008, the Glens has a happy, healthy and growing red squirrel population, supported by partnerships with external bodies that saw reds reintroduced into suitable woods, alongside woodlands where the animals had once been.

The group is now inviting the public to join one of its Red Squirrel Safaris during the month of October. “Over Squirreltober, we sadly cannot guarantee seeing squirrels on our Red Squirrel Safaris as the reds are wild, shy, enchanting, and free to come and go as they wish,” GRSG said.

“[However] we will show you where you are most likely to see reds, and show you what to look out for when in the woods and forestries. With this knowledge you can revisit with family and friends to try and spot reds for yourself.

"We have been very successful over past years at seeing reds and this is all down to our volunteers who look after the reds in the areas of our safaris.”

Dates and locations for the Red Squirrel Safaris include:

- Cottage Wood Cushendall Red Squirrel Safari – Saturday, October 3 from 10am until 12pm, meeting in the Cottage Wood car park;

- Glenarm Forest Red Squirrel Safari – Saturday, October 10 from 10am until 12.30pm, meeting in Glenarm Forest car park;

- Cregagh Wood Red Squirrel Safari and hide visit – Saturday, October 17 from 10am until 12:30pm, meeting in St Patrick’s Church car park on Glendun Road;

- Ballycastle Forest Red Squirrel Safari, Saturday, October 24 from 10am until 12:30pm, meeting at the car park at the end of Fairhill Street.

Places are limited and booking is a must for the safari events.

To book, send a text or Whatsapp message to 07706903024.

Meanwhile, the group will also be having a quiz night in the Laragh Lodge, Glenariff on Friday, October 23 at 8pm, costing £3 per person.

More information is available on the Glens Red Squirrel Group Facebook page.

About the Glens Red Squirrel Group

The group was formed on January 13, 2008 with its main aim to protect and help maintain the population of red squirrels in the Glens of Antrim.

A registered charity, the GRSG runs walks, talks, and educational school visits.