100,000 hectares to be designated as red squirrel refuges
25/03/2009 17:32:22
Red squirrel. Photo credit Forestry Commission.
Red squirrels in the UK
The red squirrel is one of the most threatened mammals in the UK, with the non-native introduced grey squirrel being the primary threat. The red squirrel population in Scotland is thought to be around 120,000 animals, which now represents about 75% of red squirrels in the UK - a proportion that continues to grow.
Red squirrel strongholds to add new line of defence March 2009. A major new front is to be opened up in the battle to save Scotland's red squirrels with the creation of 18 ‘stronghold areas' across the country.
The Forestry Commission Scotland initiative, which is to be carried out in partnership with landowners and managers, will see around 100,000 ha of the best forest sites managed as refuges for red squirrels.
Forest habitats
The stronghold habitats - large forest networks possessing an existing red squirrel population - will be managed to create environments that are favoured by red squirrels but shunned by greys.
Launching a consultation on the project, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham said: "Strongholds are an important additional safeguard for the long-term survival of red squirrels in Scotland.
"A lot of work is being done to prevent the spread of grey squirrels and the squirrel pox virus they carry, but it is equally important that we find and manage habitats in such a way that will give red squirrels a competitive advantage and the opportunity to thrive. Over time these sites will become increasingly welcoming habitats for red squirrels, but will remain of little interest to greys.
Red squirrel feeding station. Credit Forestry Commission.
"It is encouraging and welcome that this initiative has won the backing and support of private landowners. Their co-operation and participation is vital if we are to ensure the success of this long term conservation opportunity."
Food supplies for redsKey to the management of these sites will be the development of consistent food supplies for red squirrels. Retaining older, cone-bearing conifers and diversifying conifer species will increase the food available to red squirrels. Restricting food sources preferred by greys - large seeded broadleaves such as oak, beech, chestnut and hazel - will discourage greys from moving into the stronghold areas. Trapping greys will help to protect the red squirrels if greys are found to be making significant incursions into the site.
The stronghold sites - each at least 2000 hectares in size and including significant areas of conifer - are:
| Glen Glass Fleet Basin Morangie Forest Daviot Loch Moy Inshriach and Glenfeshie Leanachan Balmoral to Inver Eskdalemuir Glenbranter
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Apart from certain restrictions on tree species choice and modifications to felling patterns, other activities - such as recreation or timber production - will not be curtailed.
Anyone who would like to find out more and contribute to the development of stronghold areas can visit www.forestry.gov.uk/strongholdsconsultation on the Forestry Commission Scotland website and take part in the consultation, which runs until June 2009.
Read the comments about this article and leave your own comment
There is no evidence to support the ludicrous claim that grey free areas can be created but are red friendly.The only way to protect reds is by eradication of the grey.The public need to be reminded that greys can eat anything ( apart from stones ) whereas reds have a much limited diet and to suggest they can survive adequately in conifer forests is simply not the case. We need public support to save reds which requires them to be seen easily and often. This will not and does not occur in conifer forests.It has to be said that the policy of creating red reserves and buffer zones is deeply flawed and was recognised as such when it was set up, even accepting that without support from certain councils the policy was doomed to failure.The authorities have failed our reds and its existence in certain areas is due to independent organisations killing greys.
Posted by: Morpeth Red Squirrels | 23 Dec 2009 12:43:37