Plan to control grey squirrels
Plan to control grey squirrels
Jan 22 2006
Grey squirrel populations are to be controlled under a Government action plan.
The move aims to focus on areas where the animals are damaging woodland and preventing red squirrels from becoming established.
Environment Minister Jim Knight said: "Many people love grey squirrels, but the reality is that they are a real problem for some of our most threatened native species, like the red squirrel and dormouse.
"It is not realistic, practical or even desirable to completely eradicate grey squirrels - but we must control them effectively now, or there will be serious consequences.
"Grey squirrels threaten woodland management through damage to trees and woodlands and by squeezing out red squirrels and possible other wildlife like woodland birds.
"We have seen in projects such as Red Alert North England, how active intervention, control and protection can ensure the safety and expansion of the red squirrel.
"Through humane and targeted pest control in the areas where this damage is most critical, local woodland and wildlife managers - with the full backing and expertise of the Forestry Commission, will be able to control and contain these threats and preserve or rebalance some of our native ecology."
The grey squirrel was introduced into this country from North America in the nineteenth century and has spread widely, especially in lowland areas, with a population now estimated at more than two million.
They are regarded as pests by a number of groups because of the damage they cause to woodland.
Source: icLiverpool