Contraceptives for grey squirrels
As well as diseases such as ash dieback, trees have to face a more widespread enemy – the grey squirrel.
While many are in favour of planting broadleaf woodland for the diversity and wildlife benefits, these woodland pests are a primary reason why we struggle to do so.
I’m pleased to report that a scheme being developed by the Red Squirrel Accord offers hope and, while it might give you a head start with your planting, it also needs your help to raise the final £190,000 of its £1 million funding target.
Supported by Defra and a host of organisations including the CLA , it hopes to reverse the population explosion of greys by distributing a benign contraceptive via specially designed species-specific feeders, allowing our native red squirrel and broadleaf woodlands to flourish together.
Owners in just two counties raised over £30,000 by contributing £1 an acre of woodland owned and I very much hope counties like Shropshire will follow suit.
Without this fertility control scheme, there is a real chance that future generations will never see mature standings of biodiverse broadleaf native hardwoods or a red squirrel. To find out more visit the UK Squirrel Accord website (www.squirrelaccord.uk).
Mark Riches is CLA Midlands Director
