Image courtesy of James Barker
Following a request from the English Government, Forestry Commission England have reviewed and updated the grey squirrel policy. The new action plan will see the implementation of the following additional measures:
- Forestry options of Countryside Stewardship to have additional measure for grey squirrel control (not just in red squirrel areas but in woodlands where squirrels are a threat to management plan objectives).
- A national squirrel partnership to help local groups outside of grant schemes.
- Support for research and evidence (e.g. squirrel pox vaccine and fertility control work).
- Action on land holding (public forest estate).
Download a copy of the action plan below:
Grey Squirrels and England’s Woodlands – Policy and Action Plan >>
The updates come following a consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. To read the consultation response report, click here. Workshops to introduce the new policy are planned by FCE in early 2015.