Citizen Science Survey2026 All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey
Working with citizen scientists across Ireland
Number of squirrel and pine marten surveys so far
4
Number of organisations involved
5
Ireland's fifth all-island pine marten and squirrel survey
This year, Vincent Wildlife Trust Ireland is partnering with the University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife, the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), and the Centre of Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) to launch the All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey 2026.
This important survey invites people across the island of Ireland to help track the distribution of red squirrels, grey squirrels, and pine martens. It builds on previous national surveys carried out in 2007, 2012, and 2019, providing valuable insights into how these species are changing over time.
Since their introduction in 1911, grey squirrels have spread widely across Ireland, contributing to the decline of the native red squirrel through competition and disease. However, more recent surveys have revealed a promising shift. In some areas, grey squirrel populations have declined — an effect linked to the recovery of another native species, the pine marten. As a result, red squirrels have begun to return to parts of the Midlands, although grey squirrels continue to expand in the southwest and northwest.
Pine martens have dark brown fur with a creamy yellow throat patch — known as its 'bib'.
The pine marten has a tail that is long and bushy.
Pine martens are about the size of a domestic cat.
They are typically nocturnal, and very good climbers.
Pine martens can be confused with other mustelid carnivores, such as the American mink, but pine martens are larger and have prominent rounded ears. Mink have darker fur, and are more frequently found close to water.
Grey fur, occasionally chestnut coloured on the back and haunches, particularly in the summer. Tail is grey, with a white fringe to the hair. No ear tufts.
Grey squirrels are bolder than red squirrels, and so tend to be more conspicuous. They spend more of their time on the woodland floor.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit sightings of red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martens throughout 2026. If possible, please include a photograph with your record.
In addition to location details, we’d love to hear more about your observations — such as how often you see these animals or whether you’ve noticed changes over time. This information can be added in the comments section of the form. Follow-up contact may be made to help verify sightings.
Vicky Knight
Species Conservation Officer — Ireland
Get in touch
All-Ireland Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey webinar
Watch our National Biodiversity Week 2026 webinar — Tales of Three Woodland Species — where speakers, Dr Colin Lawton (University of Galway), Katy Bell (Ulster Wildlife) and Vicky Knight (Vincent Wildlife Trust) explore these fascinating woodland species and the ways they interact in the wild.
Working in collaboration
Partners through resources and funding
University of Galway
The University of Galway is a public research university located in the city of Galway, ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide and a global leader in sustainability.
Ulster Wildlife
Protecting and restoring nature on land and at sea — playing a part in ending the climate and ecological emergencies to create a society where nature is valued and is part of daily lives.
National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC)
The National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available in order to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.
Centre of Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR)
The Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) is Northern Ireland’s only Local Environmental Record Centre. We collect, store, manage and release information Northern Ireland's wildlife.
