28th February 2006

LEADING CHARITY SUPPORTS SCOTTISH INITIATIVE

An enthusiastic welcome was given to Scotland’s deputy minister for the environment, Rhona Brankin’s call for action to save the red squirrel, by the European Squirrel Initiative, one of the country’s leading squirrel charities.

Speaking at a conference in Edinburgh yesterday (27^th February) Ms Brankin requested that the Scottish Executive, together with the Scottish National Heritage (SNH) and the Forestry Commission for Scotland (FCS) prepare, within three months, a costed plan as to how Scotland’s remaining red squirrel population can be saved from the deadly squirrel pox virus.

Alien grey squirrels carry the virus, which does not affect them, but is lethal to red squirrels.  Its appearance, along with the more aggressive woodland feeding habits of the greys, has led to the rapid disappearance of reds in England and Wales. The disease has recently been detected in the Scottish borders.

“We are pleased with the Minister’s commitment to saving the red squirrel and that she recognises that the invasive grey squirrel is the main culprit in their decline,” said Miles Barne, Chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative. 

“It is, however, important that in any initiative of this kind that owners and managers of land and those with practical forestry experience are involved.  They are in the front line and have been dealing with this issue for years, they are the stewards of the land and have vast experience in this area,” he added.

Ms Brankin also recognised that it was important to use the best scientific advice available to deal with the problem and that work was progressing on forms of immuno-contraception for grey squirrels.

“We applaud the Minister’s recognition that new, non-lethal, methods of control such as IMC should be developed.  This we see as the only effective way of controlling grey squirrels and saving our native red,” said Miles Barne. 

The Conference, organised by Scottish Natural Heritage, was attended by around 130 delegates.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of the ESI by Kendalls. For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022.  Mobile:  07850 601354

NOTES TO EDITORS

The European Squirrel Initiative was founded in June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel in Europe.

Its role is to

• Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel.
• Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.