29th November 2006

Squirrel charity calls for action in the North West

One of England’s last remaining red squirrel strongholds in Sefton, near Formby, is under serious threat from the invasive grey squirrel, according to the European Squirrel Initiative, a UK charity committed to raising public awareness about the plight of the red squirrel. The charity is calling for immediate action from local organisations and people to help save the area’s native red squirrel population. 

The Sefton coast pine woodlands have recently need named as one of 16 red squirrel refuges in the region by Red Alert North England (RANE), a lottery-funded project to save red squirrels in mainland England. However, while the ESI welcomes the site’s designation as a refuge it has expressed concern about the threat posed by the number of grey squirrels in the area and lack of any clear policy to control them. 

The refuge is surrounded by a 5km buffer zone designed to keep grey squirrels out of the area, yet significant numbers have been spotted within the zone, particularly in Southport and the nearby village of Formby. Furthermore, grey squirrels have also been seen at the National Trust’s Freshfield Reserve near Formby village. While grey trapping work is currently coordinated by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust within the buffer zone, the sheer number of greys present has meant such efforts fail to have the desired impact. 

As with elsewhere in the UK, the grey squirrels pose a serious threat to the red squirrels’ survival. The red squirrel is vulnerable to the deadly squirrel pox carried by the invasive grey squirrel. The appearance of the fatal virus, alongside the more aggressive feeding habits of the larger grey, has lead to the disappearance of reds across increasing areas of England and Wales. 

Charles Dutton of the ESI said, “There is a real threat to red squirrels along the Sefton coast and in the refuge. Within the last month alone, ten red squirrels have been found dead nearby, with squirrel pox confirmed as the cause of mortality. All of these cases have been found within the buffer zone at Ainsdale National Nature Reserve or adjacent gardens.” 

The ESI stated that there is a need for support from the owners of the five main woodlands within the Sefton refuge: Natural England, Sefton Borough Council, The National Trust, Sefton Golf Club and a government-owned shooting range. The charity also called on local clubs and organisations to become involved in the fight to protect a species that is part of the country’s natural heritage. 

“This refuge is a defendable area, and there is clearly an urgent need to remove grey squirrels in the National Nature Reserve,” said Charles Dutton.  

Miles Barne, chairman of the ESI, said, “In financial terms it would be a small price to pay to ensure the refuge at Sefton fulfils its ambitions to sustain a viable population of rare red squirrels for generations to come.”

ENDS