Squirrel nests: where and how do they build them?

Have you spotted some big, untidy nest-like structures in the trees? You might well have found a squirrel nest, known as a drey. Here are our tips on where, when and how to find them.

What does a squirrel’s drey look like?

Squirrels scurry around collecting whatever they can find to make a warm, dry haven for the coming months. The result is a messy ball of leafy twigs about the same size as a football, lined with lots of layers of soft materials, such as moss, feathers, grass, leaves, shredded bark and pine needles.

Usually at least six metres from the ground, they build close to the trunk or in forks of branches where the tree is stronger and provides more support.

If they can find an existing hole in a tree trunk, perhaps created by a woodpecker, they might claim it as their den. They use similar materials to line it and might gnaw the entrance to widen it too.

Squirrels have a summer home and a winter home. The summer drey is flatter, lighter and more open as protection from the weather is less important. In autumn, this might be adapted or abandoned altogether in favour of a freshly built drey suitable for winter weather. 

Dreys can be confused with bird nests

It can be difficult to tell from the ground if a nest belongs to a squirrel or a large bird, like a rook or magpie.

To make things even trickier, squirrels and birds have been known to adopt and adapt each others' nests! A structure can pass back and forth between the two species for several seasons.

A good clue is whether there are any leaves woven into the nest, as squirrels tend to keep them but birds don’t. Birds also usually nest closer to the top and further out along the branches.

Other good signs that squirrels are nearby include:

• chewed pine cones on the ground that look like apple cores
• scratch marks on the bark
• a ‘chuk chuk’ sound.

The only surefire way to know if it's a squirrel drey is to wait patiently and hope they appear!

Where and when to see squirrels and their dreys

Squirrels can be found across the UK. 

England, Wales and much of Northern Ireland are now dominated by the grey squirrel which prefers broadleaved woodland and is common in parks and gardens too. Introduced from America in the 1870s, we now have over 2.5 million in the UK.

Our native red squirrel is mostly restricted to Scotland, but other good places to spot them include:

• Northumberland
• Lake District
• Brownsea Island off the Dorset coast.

Reds spend more time in the trees than their grey counterparts. Spring is a good time to spot them, before the leaves have filled the trees and they are out looking for food for their new kits. In May, adults will be looking to breed again so you may see them scampering around looking for a mate. 

Squirrels are most active in the morning or late afternoon. Head to your local wood, scout for dreys and wait quietly - your patience may be rewarded with a special appearance.

How can I help red squirrels?

Record your sightings

To help protect red squirrels, many groups record sightings. If you live in a red squirrel hotspot, search online for your local group.

Offer food and shelter

Buying or making a squirrel box or feeder is a great way to help reds, and sizing the entry hole carefully will mean larger grey squirrels can’t get in. Food sources are scarcer in spring and summer, so putting out a mix of nuts, seeds, fruit and veg can be welcome. Only leave a small amount every few days though as it’s important they still look for natural food sources.

Take care with tree work

If you're responsible for any trees, make sure you check them carefully for nests before carrying out any maintenance work, especially during breeding season.

Create more havens for wildlife

You can help red squirrels and other native species by caring for their habitat. Planting trees and protecting our woods is crucial for wildlife. Make a difference by joining an online campaign or making a donation to volunteering or becoming a member.