Formby is genuinely one of the last strongholds of the red squirrel in England. These aren't zoo animals. They're truly wild: and that's exactly what makes seeing one so remarkable.
Most visitors arrive expecting to spot them easily. They don't. They leave disappointed. Here's the full picture on how to give yourself the best possible chance.
The mistake 80% of visitors make
Arriving between 11am and 3pm. Red squirrels are most active at dawn and early morning. By mid-morning they've retreated into the canopy. Midday visits are almost guaranteed disappointment. Adjust your timing first: it matters more than anything else.
Timing: The Single Biggest Factor
Before 9am is ideal. Red squirrels are most active at dawn and in the first couple of hours of daylight: feeding, moving, visible at eye level. By mid-morning the activity drops off sharply as they retreat into the canopy.
Between 9am and noon you might still get lucky, especially on cooler days when they stay active longer. After 12pm? Honestly, don't bother. The woodland gets busier with people and dogs, the squirrels disappear upward, and you'll spend an hour seeing nothing and feeling disappointed.
If you can only visit at midday, set your expectations accordingly: and come back early another time.
Season Matters Too
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are your best bets. Spring is brilliant because the squirrels are very active: feeding, building nests, raising young: and the leaf canopy hasn't fully come in yet so they're much easier to spot. Autumn is when they're foraging for winter and you often catch them at ground level, which makes for great photographs.
Summer is hit and miss. They're still there, but the dense canopy hides them and the woodland is busier. Winter visits are more productive than people expect: less leaf cover means you can actually see into the trees, and cold mornings can be surprisingly active.
Behaviour: How to Stand Your Best Chance
Do this
- Walk slowly and stop frequently
- Talk in a whisper or stay silent
- Sit on a bench and wait: let them come to you
- Look up into the canopy as you walk
- Visit the areas near feeders if available
- Bring binoculars: worth every penny
Don't do this
- Let children run ahead noisily
- Play music or loud podcasts
- Rustle bags or snack packets near trees
- Feed them with your own food
- Approach if you do spot one: stay still
- Visit only once and expect a sighting
Why Formby's Red Squirrels Matter
Grey squirrels: introduced from North America in the 1870s: carry squirrelpox, a disease harmless to greys but fatal to reds. Reds have lost 98% of their UK population.
Formby's pinewoods form a natural coastal barrier that has helped protect this colony. The National Trust's active management: grey squirrel control, habitat protection, supplementary feeding: keeps this population alive. When you see one, you're seeing something genuinely precious.
Full Red Squirrel Guide
Everything about visiting the Formby Red Squirrel Reserve: parking, trails, facilities and conservation.
Red Squirrel Reserve Guide