Cumbria has one of the biggest citizen science efforts in red squirrel conservation in the UK with at least 16 dedicated groups.

Conservation in the region has recently been described as on ‘a knife edge' by chair of the Penrith and District Red Squirrel Group Robert Benson.

He described how grey squirrels breeding at an 'unprecedented rate' all year round is calling for an 'urgent need for intervention' to protect the endangered species. 

A newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) tool being tested in the UK has so far been hailed as a 'game-changer'.

Squirrel Agent, developed by Genysys Engine, detects different types of squirrels using their chins, ears and tails.

(Image: South Lakes Red Squirrel) According to developers Genysys Engine, it can tell squirrels apart with 97% accuracy.

When greys are detected, push notifications are sent to conservationists' phones meaning traps can be triggered and contraceptives delivered to keep the grey population under control.

We asked some of those on the front line of the efforts if this could be a turning point in the 'battle to Save the Reds'.

Mark and Jennie Christie, coordinators of Sedbergh Red Squirrel Group, said: "It would be a great tool to aid the administration of contraception to grey squirrels or a vaccine for Squirrel Pox in red squirrels.

"There is no one thing that would help in the conservation or the increase in population of the red squirrel and it is envisioned that it will be a multifaceted approach, including the contraception of greys, a vaccine for the Squirrel Pox in reds, education of the public and the continued culling of grey squirrels because of their ability to out compete the reds.

A squirrel with 'squirrel pox' which is carried by the immune greys (Image: Diane Metcalfe) "Culling is controversial but at present it is the only option available to conserve red squirrels and if this had not been carried out over the past 30 to 40 years by red squirrel conservation groups they would have disappeared from Northern England and parts of Scotland."

Jackie Foott of the South Lakes Red Squirrel Group added: "This really would be a game-changer but, unfortunately, there is a lot of work to be done yet.  

"A suitable contraceptive product attractive to greys has not yet been found with high efficacy and a realistic way of using in large woodlands across the UK.  

"An AI hopper would also need to distinguish between grey squirrels and other mammals such as pine martens, rodents and birds.  

"Even when these issues are solved, licensing can take years.

The red squirrel population in Cumbria has recently been described as on a 'knife edge'"What is required immediately is public recognition of the problems caused by grey squirrels with help and support from the national and local governments, conservation organisations and landowners.  

"Grey squirrels are a major threat, not only to red squirrels, but to our woodlands, related flora and fauna, tree planting efforts, carbon sequestration, crops and property.  

"There are thousands of people across the UK using legal, safe and humane trapping and shooting to control grey squirrels wherever possible, but we need more help."

Volunteer squirrel ranger Jim Wilson at Rutter Falls Holiday Cottages near Appleby said: "This is a brilliant application, but, as usual, funding will be the barrier - I can't believe it is cheap. Also all the traps will need frequent cleaning and re-stocking, either by volunteers or paid wardens. 

"I would imagine that the use of these traps would start in mixed red/grey areas and gradually push the invading greys back.  A controversial point is - how far do you go...?  Should we/could we entirely eliminate non-native grey squirrels?"