Red squirrels are one of the Isle of Wight’s memorable wildlife residents. Here is a small fact to take on your next woodland outing: they do not hibernate.
How they get through winter
The RSPB explains that red squirrels rely on food stored away, including buried nuts and fungi. Their winter routine is different from the long sleep many people imagine.
A quiet moment in the woods
Wildlife watching rewards patience. Pause quietly, listen and look among the branches. Keep your distance and let animals carry on with their day. A sighting is a possibility, never a promise.
The National Trust identifies Borthwood Copse as a place to look for red squirrels on the island. Check its current visitor guidance before heading out and choose footwear suited to woodland paths.
Sources checked on 5 November 2026: RSPB red squirrel facts and National Trust visitor information.
Plan your island break
Browse accommodation and check current dates directly at Isle of Wight Stays.
The accompanying image is a wildlife illustration, not a photograph of a squirrel sighting.