WHO IS HELPING THE RED SQUIRREL?

RED SQUIRREL SURVIVAL TRUST

Formed at the behest of their patron, Prince Charles, in 2006, the Red Squirrel Survival Trust aims to protect and conserve the red squirrel in the UK. This is through raising awareness of the plight of red squirrels; volunteer and action groups; funding research into how to secure the long-term future of the red squirrel in the UK; encouraging successful populations of red squirrels through breeding programmes and reintroducing red squirrels where conditions are right; and, importantly, securing the red squirrel’s natural environment by ensuring our woodlands are healthy. At the moment, much of the Trust’s work is focused on delivering the grey squirrel fertility management programme through the UK Squirrel Accord. But another vital and ongoing task is education. Raising awareness of the reds and why they need our help is hugely important, as is encouraging discussion of their plight – such as the February 2020 House of Lords debate on Tree Pests and Diseases.

UK SQUIRREL ACCORD

Established in 2015, it consists of 41 leading nature conservation, woodland, heritage, timber and governmental organisations, who are working together to bring a coordinated approach to secure the future of both red squirrels and native woodland. Its work revolves around fundraising and supporting research into fertility control for grey squirrels, as well as engaging with landowners and local groups.

SAVING SCOTLAND’S RED SQUIRRELS

A partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it was set up in 2009 to ensure red squirrels continue to thrive in Scotland. Supported by National Lottery players, the partnership includes Naturescot, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. The main focus is on combating the spread of grey squirrels. Targeted landscape-scale grey squirrel control has kept red squirrel populations stable across the country, and reds are returning to areas where they haven’t been seen for decades.

Specific projects include work to remove an isolated population of grey squirrels that was introduced to Aberdeen in the 1970s, which then spread to the surrounding countryside. A successful trap-loan scheme enables local people to get involved and, today, eradication is considered achievable. Red squirrels are also returning to the city’s parks and gardens.

In the Central Lowlands, grey squirrels are successfully being prevented from spreading north of the Highland Boundary Line, protecting Scotland’s core red squirrel populations in the Highlands and Grampian.

In the south, a network of local volunteers is being established in priority areas, where healthy red squirrel populations are surrounded by greys.

EUROPEAN SQUIRREL INITIATIVE

Founded in 2002, its aim is to create, develop and maintain a campaign to win the support and commitment of governments throughout Europe in securing the future of the red squirrel through the effective control of the grey squirrel.