A symbol of Britain - the Red Squirrel.

[Miss Z]

I just looked it up, because we also have red squirrels here in the US, but it is a different species - Tamiasciurus hudsonicus - instead of your red squirrels, which are Sciurus vulgaris. Have they considered importing some from France, etc., where there are also Sciurus vulgaris?

To add to what Chris said, I'm pretty sure that was attempted a few decades ago in several places, including Formby. The continental race doesn't seem to have boosted numbers particularly. It also met some opposition as the continental subspecies is slightly darker than the British strain and some people believed that we were making our native animals 'impure'. There are however a few areas that never received imported animals that claim to still hold the 'pure' British variety.

I love squirrels! I had one in Chicago - Shirley -- she came when I called and even when I didn't. My sister was once visiting me and came to me rather puzzled...said there was a squirrel at the back door!

Wow! The largest male of the lot in my area is just brave enough to sit and glare at you on the patio if you sit in my garden, but I've never known one that tame!

The one of Formby dunes brought back fond memories of the many picnics I had there when I still lived in Crosby.

Ah, I know Crosby fairly well. And I too have been picnicking on Formby beach - since I was a toddler!