Help track red squirrels and pine martens across Ireland in 2026

Leitrim County Council has announced a new citizen‑science initiative that will run through 2026, inviting residents of the county to help track two of Ireland’s most elusive woodland mammals – the red squirrel and the pine marten. The programme is part of a nationwide effort to monitor the distribution and population trends of these species across the country.

Under the scheme, anyone who spots a red squirrel or pine marten in local woodlands can submit a sighting report to the council’s online portal. The data will be compiled and analysed to provide a clearer picture of where these animals are thriving and where they may be under threat. The council says the project will also raise public awareness of the importance of woodland habitats and the conservation challenges they face.

The initiative is open to all residents of County Leitrim, from the towns of Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballinamore to the rural hinterlands. By contributing sightings, locals can play a direct role in protecting Ireland’s native wildlife and help inform future conservation strategies.

For more information, see the Leitrim County Council announcement.

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