The Isle of Wight is famous for many things… It’s the sunniest place in the UK and boasts a selection of beautiful beaches on which to soak up the bountiful rays, the Island is home to many world-famous festivals, from music to walking, and, most adorably, it’s one of the best places in the UK to see red squirrels.
Oh yes, these native critters thrive on the Isle of Wight, with the red squirrel population booming across the Island thanks to The Solent’s moat-like presence keeping grey squirrels at bay.
Of course, with the Isle of Wight also playing host to a twitchingly good array of birds, including the beautiful white tailed eagle, wildlife lovers are in for a true treat when visiting the Island.
Keen to spot some of the Island’s more adorable residents? These are the best places to see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight.
When to see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight
Famed for their russet coats and furry ears (which get even furrier in the winter), it’s easy to see why people want to see red squirrels in person when visiting the Island.
Although they can be found darting through the canopies throughout the year, autumn is one of the best seasons to see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight as the furry-eared critters scavenge for nuts on the woodland floor. Spring is another great time of year to spot squirrels on the Island, as the red-hued cuties can be seen playing in the canopies as they celebrate a fresh new season and shake off the winter sleepies.
Of course, with a population of around 3,000, if you’re patient, quiet, and eagle-eyed, you’ve a good chance at spotting a red squirrel while staying on the sun-soaked Island… Especially if you visit the places below…
Where to see red squirrels on the Isle of Wight
From ancient hidden gems to historic houses, these beautiful destinations offer the best chance to spot red squirrels during your Island holiday.
Alverstone Mead, Sandown
Set within a sprawling National Landscape and boasting not one, but four reserves within its reaches, Alverstone Mead near Sandown has certainly earned its reputation as a wildlife watching hotspot. Uncover rare flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies, as well as a feathery assortment of birds from blue tits to wildfowl. The nature reserve’s biggest draw? The pointy-eared red squirrels that live in the wooded areas throughout the year. Keep an eye out while you walk or head to the hide for a moment of mindfulness as you wait for these furry favourites to appear.
Borthwood Copse, Winford
Another top place on the Isle of Wight to see red squirrels, Borthwood Copse promises a picturesque place to stroll and nature watch. Ancient oak and beech trees form a patchwork canopy that lends itself to the scurrying antics of squirrels perfectly, with the dappled forest floor drawing the russet critters down from the trees in the autumn. Although visible throughout the year, spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit as the ground blooms with a wash of purple as bluebells burst from the rich soil.
The Garlic Farm, Newchurch
While famous amongst garlic lovers (there’s even a festival dedicated to this beloved bulb), The Garlic Farm has also become quite the hit with red squirrel enthusiasts. Boasting its own beautiful woodland, The Garlic Farm is a superb spot to see red squirrels when visiting the Isle of Wight. A merry mix of oak, hazel, and birch trees houses all manner of animals, with red squirrels becoming particularly active in the spring and autumn months. We recommend enjoying a picturesque stroll through the wooded glades and wildflower meadows of The Garlic Farm for the chance to see scuttling squirrels and boxing brown hares. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the farm shop for some garlic-infused delights!
Firestone Copse, Wootton Bridge
From majestic oaks to the evergreen grand firs, it’s little wonder Firestone Copse is a favourite hiding place for red squirrels. The setting here is absolutely stunning, with a breathtaking mix of towering trees and shimmering lakes creating a lovely spot for a stroll throughout the year. Alongside red squirrel spotting, Firestone Copse is also a great place for a picnic, with lots of benches and tables inviting you to dine alfresco amidst the trees. The forest also has a superb wheel-friendly path, allowing wheelchair users and families to enjoy the tree-lined trail with ease.
Osborne, East Cowes
One of the most fascinating historic houses on the Isle of Wight, Osborne is perhaps most well known as the holiday home of Queen Victoria. But did you know these grand grounds are famed for red squirrels too? Oh yes, the beloved Family Tree Trail in the beautiful parkland is home to a scattering of red squirrels alongside an incredible assortment of trees. From giant sequoias to the large-leaved lime, the trees at Osborne almost rival the impressive house. Of course, hidden amongst the curious leaves, red squirrels can sometimes be spotted, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled while exploring the tree-lined trail.
Parkhurst Forest, Newport
One of the oldest forests in the country, Parkhurst Forest promises a dappled mix of soaring trees and purple-kissed heathland. This hodgepodge biome makes for a wonderful home for a mix of animals, from woodpeckers and owls to the scurrying red squirrels the Island is known for. There are lots of lovely trails winding through the trees, inviting walkers, cyclists, and even horse riders to keep an eye out for red squirrels as they pass. Bring the dog, pack a picnic, and enjoy a dappled adventure under the sunlit canopy of Parkhurst Forest for an enchanting day out in nature.
Shanklin Chine, Shanklin
One of the Isle of Wight’s most intriguing hidden gems, Shanklin Chine is a moss-strewn wonderland of tumbling waterfalls and rich green woodland, the perfect habitat for a red squirrel or two. While daylight is the best time to spot squirrels as they scurry across ancient branches, we also recommend visiting this spectacular site at dusk, when colourful lights cast the dense woodland in a kaleidoscopic display. Shanklin is well worth a proper visit, as the beach, chocolate-box pubs and tearooms, and local wildlife sanctuary make for a truly memorable day out.
Bouldnor Forest Nature Reserve, Yarmouth
A giddy mix of coast, heathland, and forest, this sprawling nature reserve near Yarmouth is a wonderful place for some wildlife spotting. From fossils on the beaches to the resident red squirrels, Bouldnor Nature Reserve invites you to explore every picture-perfect corner in search of a fascinating find. Shifting with the seasons, the flora here is just as captivating as the fauna, with the periwinkle hues of dog-violets adding a burst of colour in the summer months and the autumn colours casting the forests in a wash of russet tones to match the squirrels who live there.
Looking forward to seeing some red squirrels? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight and start planning a wildlife watching adventure today.
