16 April 2008

SUPPORT FOR GREY SQUIRREL CONTROL

News that over 15,000 grey squirrels have been culled in Northumberland by a government supported organisation has been welcomed by leading squirrel charity, the European Squirrel Initiative (ESI). 

“This is a significant move in ensuring the future of our native red squirrel, “ said ESI Chairman Miles Barne. “The only way to ensure the future of the red squirrel is to remove the alien grey squirrel.  Northumberland is one of the few parts of the United Kingdom where red squirrels still exist.  The removal of grey squirrels will undoubtedly help to safeguard their future.” 

The grey squirrel cull was carried out by the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership under the direction of Paul Parker.  

“If we are to preserve the red squirrel from extinction there is no alternative but to remove the grey.  All other methods have failed and there is no way that they can coexist. The grey squirrel carries a disease deadly to the red, it out competes them for food and in addition poses a significant threat to woodland bird populations and biodiversity in general,” added Mr Barne.   

The European Squirrel Initiative is a registered charity whose aim is to safeguard the future of Britain’s native red squirrel.

 ENDS