The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) is calling on the government and Forestry Commission England to put control of grey squirrels on a similar level of importance to that of tree diseases.
It is pressing for more research, effective support for woodland owners and managers, and for a programme to increase public awareness of the threat to the health of broadleaved woods caused by grey squirrels.
The call comes following findings from an RFS online survey which asked owners and managers to rate the danger of grey squirrels to woodlands, share their experiences of controlling grey squirrels and suggest what support they need.
The survey was completed by 750 people; 60% of survey participants were woodland owners and 40% managers, consultants or agents.
With the RFS saying that many thought grey squirrels represent the greatest threat to broadleaf woodlands, marginally ahead of tree diseases and well ahead of deer.
Simon Lloyd, RFS development director, said: "Protecting the health of our woods is the government’s highest forestry policy priority, but compared with tree diseases, there is very little scientific research available on grey squirrel controls and very little support for woodland owners to tackle the problem.
"Woodland owners and managers need financial and practical support to help manage this threat to the health of our woods. This is not only about keeping grey squirrel numbers under control where trees are most vulnerable to damage, but also about adapting woodland management to reduce the risk."
The RFS survey heard from one respondent who wrote: "I replanted the major part of my woodlands in 1987 with 80 per cent English oak.
"The bark stripping by grey squirrels over those 26 years has seriously damaged an estimated 40–50 per cent of the crop, in many cases fatally."
From April until the end of July grey squirrels will strip bark from around a tree trunk, damaging its growth and leading to five per cent of trees dying or producing degraded timber.
Trees aged between 10 and 40 years, especially sycamore, beech oak, sweet chestnut, pine, larch and Norway spruce, are most vulnerable to damage
"The high risk of squirrel damage to broadleaved species such as oak and beech is a disincentive to planting them," said Simon Lloyd.
"Ash, which is relatively resistant to squirrel damage, is no longer a viable alternative. Our woodland heritage is therefore put at risk because of the grey squirrel."
The RFS said it wants to work with government and the Forestry Commission England to develop a policy that reflects the threat posed by grey squirrels and supports woodland owners to control grey squirrel populations.
Comments