Red Squirrel

Description

Red Squirrel, Yorkshire Dales

Red squirrels are native to the UK but have been in serious decline since grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the 1870s. Greys carry squirrel pox — a virus that is fatal to reds but which greys carry without ill effect. Red squirrels have been displaced from most of England and Wales as a result, and now survive in significant numbers only in Scotland, parts of Northumberland, and a handful of protected areas in northern England. The Yorkshire Dales is one of the strongholds for red squirrel conservation in England, with dedicated hide sites and active management programmes. Red squirrels were once found across the countryside of northern England, not far from Sheffield, but are now largely absent from the region.

Formby, and the Yorkshire Dales

I grew up near Formby pinewoods on the Lancashire coast, where red squirrels were a common sight. Squirrel pox arrived in the Formby population around 2007, and the numbers dropped sharply. The last few times I have visited — on trips from my home in Sheffield — I have not seen a single one. The reference for this painting was taken at a dedicated red squirrel hide near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales in autumn 2025, during a photography workshop with Going Digital. It was my first time photographing a red squirrel.

If you are interested in the Formby connection, my painting Balance was also referenced in Formby pinewoods.

The Painting Process

Working in my Sheffield home studio, I completed this piece in a single painting session using oils on an 8 × 8 inch Ampersand Gessobord panel. The warm russet colouring and prominent ear tufts come through well at this size.

Framed or Unframed

Choose the framed option and it arrives ready to hang. The frame is natural ayous, a pale, lightweight hardwood, with a 7mm face and 21mm depth. The panel sits inside it with a 5mm gap all round, so the painted edge of the panel stays visible and the picture appears to float inside the frame rather than sitting against it. A flush mount is already fitted to the back for hanging.

If you would rather choose your own frame, you can buy it unframed. For advice please refer to How to Frame a Painting on a Panel.

Original Artwork Details

Specifications:

• Medium: Oil on gessobord panel
• Size: 8 × 8 inches (~ 20 × 20 cm)
• Depth: 0.3 cm (~ 1/8 inch)
• Available framed or unframed
• Framed size: approximately 22.7 × 22.7 cm (~ 9 × 9 inches)
• Frame: natural ayous, 7mm face, 21mm depth, 5mm float gap, flush mount fitted
• Year: 2025
• Signed on reverse

Shipping & Care

Your painting will be carefully packaged with protective materials and shipped via Royal Mail within 3-5 business days. The panel is robust and archival – oil paintings on panel have been proven to last for centuries when properly cared for. Display away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity for best longevity.