A new action plan has been put in place to save England's red squirrels — an indigenous species to the Isle of Wight.
Today (January 21) marks Red Squirrel Appreciation Day, with the UK Squirrel Accord launching the plan to help protect and enhance the endangered rodents.
Over the last 150 years, England’s red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) populations have significantly declined — the iconic species is now classed as nationally endangered.
Evidence shows the expansion and range of grey squirrel populations are the main cause of local red squirrel extinctions.
The England Red Squirrel Action Plan (ERSAP) 2023-2028 has four key aims:
- Protect, identify and strengthen red squirrel populations across the current range
- Expand the current range of red squirrels
- Support and improve collaborative action at all levels
- Promote better understanding and support for red squirrel conservation across England
Lord Kinnoull DL, Chair of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, said:
“We must halt the loss of biodiversity we are sadly witnessing in England.
"As well as bringing much joy to people’s lives, red squirrels are integral to our woodland ecosystems and support the natural regeneration of our woods."
Red squirrels are protected under Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
The UK Government’s A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to improve the environment is an important policy driver of red squirrel conservation.
As a key goal for the 25-Year Plan is to achieve ‘thriving plants and wildlife’.
Grey squirrel threat
In England, grey squirrels are the greatest threat to red squirrel survival.
Greys were introduced from North America from 1876 and are larger and more aggressive.
They outcompete reds for food and habitat, and carry squirrelpox virus that they do not contract but which is almost always fatal to reds.
Red squirrels will only survive if grey squirrel populations are effectively managed.
David Walter, Volunteer Advocate for the UK Squirrel Accord, said:
“The English Red Squirrel Action Plan will now provide a strategy that can be used by volunteers and groups to further the aim of Red Squirrel Conservation.
"As a volunteer I’m looking forward to seeing the stabilisation of existing Red Squirrel populations and their expansion into new territories.”
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