Red squirrels are the only squirrels that are native to the UK, however, sadly they are becoming quite rare and the Isle of Wight is one of the few places where red squirrels can still be found.

We get red squirrels visiting us here at Petit Tor and we mainly see them in the summer when they are looking for hazelnuts (we pop them in the squirrel feeder in the crabapple tree – another favourite food) and in autumn you will most likely see them gathering nuts in the sweet chestnut tree in the front garden.

Keep really still if you see a red squirrel as they are really shy and acutely aware of movement.

We quite often see red squirrels up in the pine trees in Love Lane, alongside Ventnor Cricket Club – look up on your way to Steephill Cove and you may see one.