Grey squirrel culling starts in Gwynedd

A CULLING programme of grey squirrels has started in Gwynedd as the march of the reds goes on.

Twelve years ago the red squirrel faced decimation in its last bastion on Anglesey as numbers dwindled to 40 and the colonies left were inbred.

But action to remove the rival greys and the introduction of new bloodlines has seen numbers surge to 400 and the native reds take over the island.

The past 18 months has seen them venture over the Menai Strait bridges to establish small colonies around Bangor.

Now a squirrel charity has announced plans to support this incursion by removing greys, which have traditionally destroyed red colonies by spreading disease and dominating habitats.

Dr Craig Shuttleworth, from Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, said: “We're now starting a new program of clearing grey squirrels from Bangor through to Felinheli, up into the Ogwen Valley, and Tregarth, Pentir areas.

“There is a triangle of forest area that is discreet and there are only certain pinch points for access. If we can control these by setting traps then we can create a protected area for reds to flourish.

“When we started out on Anglesey more than 10 years ago I never expected we would be at this stage where they had spread to the mainland.

“But since our first sighting near Bangor back in 2009 we have had numerous sightings from Bangor, Felinheli, and even up to Bethesda. Now is the time to support this.

“While the project is funded on Anglesey we are reliant on landowners and the public in Gwynedd to both report sightings and also assist with removing greys.

“For landowners though the damage that grey squirrels do to trees means that it is normally in their interest to take action.”

The group is also encouraging woodland owners to plant sweet chestnut, hazel nut and walnut trees to help red squirrel on Anglesey and in Gwynedd.

Report a red squirrel sighting on redsquirrels.info website or call 07966150847.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/12/27/grey-squirrel-culling-starts-in-gwynedd-55578-30015121/

Red squirrel and hedgehog under threat, study says

Red squirrel and hedgehog populations in the UK have continued to fall over the last decade, a report suggests. The 2011 State of Britain's Mammals study says the species are still under threat despite efforts to protect them.

But it says conservation schemes have benefited otters, polecats and water voles and half of the monitored species have stable or rising populations.

Read on...

Baby red squirrels being cared for by Scottish charity

Squirrel siblings saved September 2011. Two baby squirrels have been rescued by the Scottish SPCA after being found huddled together on the ground at a Scottish Highlands holiday home. Acorn, male, and Hazel, female, were discovered in a carport by residents at a cottage in Nethy Bridge, Speyside, in August.

Scotland's Animal Welfare Charity was called to rescue the brother and sister who had become separated from their mother.

Senior Inspector Gill MacGregor said, "I advised the caller to leave the squirrels for an hour just to give mum a chance to find them. As they were found in a carport it's unlikely that mum dropped the pair whilst moving them so we can only imagine that they crawled in there themselves. Sadly we were unable to reunite them with their mother so I took them to our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife where they have been thriving ever since."

Wildlife Assistant Krystal Aitchison said, "Acorn and Hazel are doing really well and are becoming stronger and fitter every day as they enjoy exploring their outdoor aviary. We think this is the first time we have had squirrel siblings come into our care at the same time, normally we find one orphaned or abandoned, but this pair have decided to stick with each other.

"We will be aiming to release them back into the wild together once they are fully fit and able to fend for themselves."

Anyone wishing to report an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/baby-squirrels.html

New outbreak of deadly squirrel pox hits Lancashire

Red squirrels only just beginning to recover after last bout

August 2011: Lancashire Wildlife Trust is urging the public to be vigilant after the deadly squirrel pox virus returned to the red squirrel stronghold on the Sefton coast.

Red squirrel conservation experts have made the call after the body of a red squirrel was found on Mossgiel Avenue in Ainsdale, Merseyside. Expert analysis carried out at the University of Liverpool has confirmed that the animal died of squirrel pox virus.

The discovery is a blow to efforts to help the population of red squirrels in Ainsdale and Formby recover after it was ravaged by the pox virus three years ago.

The Wildlife Trust's Conservation Officer for North Merseyside, Fiona Whitfield said: ‘This is the first case in 18 months and we're particularly concerned because it is very close to where the first outbreak occurred.

This is a real setback
‘Our red squirrel population had started to recover from the two devastating outbreaks in 2006 and 2008 and we were feeling positive about their future, so this finding is a setback.

‘We have had two more reports of sick squirrels and we want people to report any more sightings to us so we can act quickly to contain this.

‘We urge the public to report any sightings of sick or dead red squirrels or any grey squirrel in that area to redsquirrel@lancswt.org.uk or text or ring 07590 745862.'

Grey squirrels, which are immune to the virus, pass on the pox to reds, with usually fatal consequences for the red squirrel; the symptoms include lethargy, poor condition and ulcers and lesions around the eyes, mouth and nose.

The last bout of squirrel pox decimated the population which has clung on in the woods and gardens behind the sand dunes in the area - numbers crashed by 90 per cent. But the squirrels have since staged a remarkable recovery. Densities of reds look set to approach their pre-epidemic values within the next year or so, and there have been reports of reds spreading into the surrounding woods and countryside.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/squirrel-pox011.html#cr

Warning issued after chipmunks sighted

RIGHT: A photograph of one of the chipmunks sighted in Waterford. The rodents are regarded as a threat to the survival of red squirrels.

The Irish Times - Thursday, September 23, 2010

WILDLIFE EXPERTS have issued an “invasive species alert” following sightings of Siberian chipmunks on the loose in Co Waterford. The striped rodents, native to northern Asia, are regarded as a “significant threat” to the survival of the Irish red squirrel, which is already imperilled by the grey squirrel.

Colette O’Flynn, manager of the National Invasive Species Database, explained that “Co Waterford remains a stronghold for red squirrels as the invasive grey squirrel has not as yet, penetrated into the heart of the county” but the chipmunk has “similar habitats and food requirements”.

She said the authorities were “alarmed” by sightings of chipmunks last month in Colligan Woods near Dungarvan. It is believed the creatures were bought as pets and escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. The first sighting occurred on August 10th when a member of the public spotted and photographed a chipmunk crossing a road.

The sighting sparked concern among officials at the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There was relief three days later when a dead chipmunk was found in the area. Officials hoped the sighting was “a one off”. However, a fresh sighting occurred on August 15th when a local resident, Dina Walshe saw and photographed another chipmunk whose behaviour suggested it might have been a former pet “as it did not shy away from close human contact”.

She submitted photographs to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, which then issued the invasive species alert. The Siberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus) is normally found in woodlands in northern Russia, China, Korea and Japan and is distinguished by five longitudinal stripes along its back. The rodent can grow to a length of 25cm and lives on a diet of shrubs, mushrooms, berries, birds and other small animals.

Chipmunks can spread rabies and also carry the ticks which harbour Lyme disease. In Russia, they are regarded as pests which cause widespread destruction of nut and grain crops and can also threaten ground-nesting birds.

Ms O’Flynn confirmed it was “illegal to release any non-native species into the wild in Ireland without a licence” and that it was also “cruel to release a pet into the wild”. She pointed out that “Siberian chipmunks do not make ideal pets” as they “do not suit confinement and are difficult to contain”.

She also appealed to people who spot a chipmunk in the wild to take a photograph if possible and report the sighting. Ms O’Flynn added, “during 2009 and 2010, we have seen a number of species associated with the pet trade end up in the wild in Ireland”.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0923/1224279504217.html

Warning issued after chipmunks sighted

RIGHT: A photograph of one of the chipmunks sighted in Waterford. The rodents are regarded as a threat to the survival of red squirrels.

The Irish Times - Thursday, September 23, 2010

WILDLIFE EXPERTS have issued an “invasive species alert” following sightings of Siberian chipmunks on the loose in Co Waterford. The striped rodents, native to northern Asia, are regarded as a “significant threat” to the survival of the Irish red squirrel, which is already imperilled by the grey squirrel.

Colette O’Flynn, manager of the National Invasive Species Database, explained that “Co Waterford remains a stronghold for red squirrels as the invasive grey squirrel has not as yet, penetrated into the heart of the county” but the chipmunk has “similar habitats and food requirements”.

She said the authorities were “alarmed” by sightings of chipmunks last month in Colligan Woods near Dungarvan. It is believed the creatures were bought as pets and escaped or were deliberately released into the wild. The first sighting occurred on August 10th when a member of the public spotted and photographed a chipmunk crossing a road.

The sighting sparked concern among officials at the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There was relief three days later when a dead chipmunk was found in the area. Officials hoped the sighting was “a one off”. However, a fresh sighting occurred on August 15th when a local resident, Dina Walshe saw and photographed another chipmunk whose behaviour suggested it might have been a former pet “as it did not shy away from close human contact”.

She submitted photographs to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, which then issued the invasive species alert. The Siberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus) is normally found in woodlands in northern Russia, China, Korea and Japan and is distinguished by five longitudinal stripes along its back. The rodent can grow to a length of 25cm and lives on a diet of shrubs, mushrooms, berries, birds and other small animals.

Chipmunks can spread rabies and also carry the ticks which harbour Lyme disease. In Russia, they are regarded as pests which cause widespread destruction of nut and grain crops and can also threaten ground-nesting birds.

Ms O’Flynn confirmed it was “illegal to release any non-native species into the wild in Ireland without a licence” and that it was also “cruel to release a pet into the wild”. She pointed out that “Siberian chipmunks do not make ideal pets” as they “do not suit confinement and are difficult to contain”.

She also appealed to people who spot a chipmunk in the wild to take a photograph if possible and report the sighting. Ms O’Flynn added, “during 2009 and 2010, we have seen a number of species associated with the pet trade end up in the wild in Ireland”.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0923/1224279504217.html

Wildlife campaigner drowns squirrel

A wildlife campaigner has drowned a grey squirrel to challenge the RSPCA to prosecute him.

Chairman of anti-grey activists Morpeth Red Squirrels Norris Atthey killed the animal in an attempt to confront the charity following its prosecution of Raymond Elliott last month.

Burton Magistrates granted Mr Elliott a conditional discharge but ordered he pay £1,547 costs to the RSPCA when the 58-year-old window cleaner admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after drowning a grey squirrel in a water butt.

The landmark case set an important precedent for killing grey squirrels, which are classified as a non-native invasive species, and could pave the way for hundreds of other prosecutions across the country.

Mr Atthey, who thinks grey squirrels should be killed to protect England's native red species, said he was incensed by the prosecution.

The former military policeman, 66, said he set out to show that drowning was a humane method of culling.

Mr Atthey, a married grandfather-of-four from Ulgham, Northumberland, said: "I submerged this grey squirrel for a few seconds in the water and it was dead within 30 seconds. Of approximately 250 greys that I have killed it has been the quickest method. Normally it can take one to three minutes."

He said the charity had overstepped the mark.

He said: "I take issue with the RSPCA prosecution. My interpretation of the law is that drowning a grey squirrel is legal as long as it is done swiftly and as part of pest control."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "We won't be making any kind of comment on this matter as the case against Mr Elliott has gone to appeal and legal proceedings are ongoing."

http://news.uk.msn.com/environment/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=154380903&ocid=today

Red squirrel does Saturday Nut Fever

Ted Thornhill - 13th August, 2010

This red squirrel could be reaching for his nuts, but we think he's showing off (Photo: Caters).

He was snapped by wildlife photographer Marek Paluch, who captured the fuzzy squirrel near Opole, Poland, demonstrating just what a mover and a shaker he is.

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/837981-red-squirrel-does-saturday-nut-fever

Squirrel pox outbreak hits Stewartry

A DEADLY virus that can rip through the native red squirrel population has been discovered near Dalbeattie.


Now the Forestry Commission has stepped up its efforts to prevent Squirrelpox spreading.

So far it has only been found in five culled greys, carriers of the pox, but there are fears that it could already have spread to reds in the woods around the town.

The commission has increased its operation to trap greys in a bid to find out the extent of their presence and the pox in the area.

And an appeal has gone out to walkers who use the woods to keep a lookout for sick or dead reds.

A commission spokesman said: “As a result of findings at Dalbeattie we have taken action to concentrate further our trapping in the surrounding areas so that we can collect blood samples, increase our cull and find out more about how widespread this virus could be. Once we know more we can reassess the situation.”

Stephanie Johnstone, project officer with Red Squirrels in South Scotland (pictured), said population control measures have been brought in across the region to try and keep control of the number of greys, introduced from North America.

They have all but wiped out the reds in England and Wales.

“The grey population has increased in areas where there are no population controls, like Galloway,” she said.

“Unfortunately we do not have the resources to cover everywhere but we are working with the Forestry Commission to find out if there are more squirrels with the virus.

“We desperately need the public to report grey squirrel sightings as well as any sick red squirrels.

“Squirrelpox is a devastating disease for red squirrels and individuals that contract it suffer a slow and painful death.

“It is imperative for the survival of our native reds that the Squirrelpox virus is eliminated from Scotland.”

There are encouraging signs that the spread of Squirrelpox can be tackled.

The woods around Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill were badly affected but steps taken by Buccleuch Estates have resulted in no cases being reported for the last 12 months.

Anyone who sees red or grey squirrels is asked to contact Red Squirrels in South Scotland on 01556 610051 or by emailing info@redsquirrels.org.uk

http://icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk/tm_headline=squirrel-pox-outbreak-hits-stewartry&method=full&objectid=26854958&siteid=77296-name_page.html

Prince Charles on the lookout for Wildwood’s Squirrels

RIGHT: Photo by Les Willis

Prince Charles spent yesterday spotting Wildwood Trust’s Red Squirrels, which have been released to the island of Anglesey.

The Prince, who is Patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, went on a special trip to observe the squirrels which were born and raised at the Wildwood, Woodland Discovery Park, near Canterbury.

Visitors to Wildwood can see this year’s babies, which are also destined to be released to the island later in the year. Visitors are advised to come promptly at 10.00am as squirrels like a long nap during lunchtime, especially during sunny weather.

The new squirrel babies, once grown up, will be transported to join their cousins on Anglesey to live wild and free, helping form a buffer population and safeguard the species against national extinction. The project is managed my ‘The Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels’ which was set up in 1999 by Anglesey residents who wished to assist in the conservation of the islands small red squirrel population.

Red squirrels went extinct in Kent in the 1960's and many of us can remember them from our childhood. How easy it is for people to forget that Kent once teemed with these beautiful acrobats of the trees.

Peter Smith, Wildwood Trust's Chief Executive said:

“It is great that the Prince has taken time to come and see the results of our hard work. Wildwood’s volunteers and animal keepers spend a lot of time making sure our breeding groups has everything they need to produce as many baby squirrels as we can for this important project”

"Red squirrels are going to continue to decline towards extinction unless urgent action is taken. But it's not yet too late. If we can help restore areas of woodland to a native state and make a concerted effort, we might just be able to tip the balance back in the red squirrel's favour."

Wildwood Trust, as a charity, is committed to restoring our native and once native species and will continue to champion the restoration of natural woodlands."

Red Squirrels are just some of the huge range of British animals that can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park near Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 7820081.

Wildwood's 'Wildlife Conservation Park' is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Recognition:

Fur colour variable from bright ginger through to red and dark brown or black tinged with grey in winter; larger ear tufts in mid-winter which disappear by the summer; bushy tail which bleaches white by late summer in some individuals.
Head/body length 180-240mm, tail about 175mm.
Weight: juveniles 100-150g; adults up to 350g.

General Ecology:

This is the only squirrel which is native to Britain. It is active during the daytime, though in summer it may rest for an hour or two around mid-day. Squirrel nests, or dreys, are constructed of twigs in a tree fork, or hollow or above a whorl of branches close to the stem of a conifer. They are lined with soft hair, moss and dried grass. Several squirrels may share the same drey, or use the same drey on different days.

Red squirrels spend about three-quarters of their active time above ground in trees and shrubs. Their main foods are tree seeds, such as hazel nuts and seeds from conifer cones. They also eat tree flowers and shoots, mushrooms and fungi from under tree bark. Red squirrels often suffer periods of food shortage especially during July. Red squirrels are at home in conifer forests and broadleaved woodland. The distribution of red squirrels has declined drastically in the last 60 years and they are now extinct in southern England except for a few on the Isle of Wight and two small islands in Poole Harbour. Elsewhere they are confined to rather isolated populations in Wales and to only four places in central England: Thetford Chase (East Anglia), Cannock Chase (Staffordshire), Hope Forest (Derbyshire) and around Formby in Merseyside. Red squirrels are still widespread in the North of England and Scotland, but even here their range is contracting.

Breeding can begin in mid-winter and continue through the summer, depending on the weather and how much food is available. Mating chases occur where several males follow a female who is ready to mate. During chases squirrels make spectacular leaps through the tree canopy and spiral up and down tree trunks. Females have one or two litters a year, usually of about 2-3 young. Juveniles are weaned at around 10 weeks, but do not breed until they are one year old. Red squirrels in favourable habitat can live at a population density of one squirrel per hectare of woodland. Often densities are lower than this. They survive for up to six years in the wild.

Conservation:

Red squirrels are protected by law, and may not be intentionally trapped, killed or kept, or have their dreys disturbed except under licence from Natural England (NE), the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) or Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

Historically, red squirrel populations in Britain have fluctuated widely, the species disappearing from many areas at times and re-colonising at a later date. However, in the 1920s red squirrels began to be replaced by grey squirrels introduced to about 30 sites from eastern North America, between 1876 and 1929. Red squirrels seem unable to survive in the presence of greys, but the reasons for this are not fully understood. There is no evidence that grey squirrels aggressively chase out red squirrels, or that grey squirrels brought a disease with them from America which affects red squirrels. The key as to why grey have replaced red squirrels seems to be their ability to compete for food in different types of habitat. Red squirrels live in all types of woodland habitats from pure broadleaf, to mixed broadleaf and conifer, to pure conifer. However it is believed they prefer pure conifer forests because they can forage in them more efficiently and survive in them better than in broadleaf forest.

It is believed that the only real way to ensure the continued presence of red squirrels in an area is, if possible, to keep grey squirrels out, or, at least to keep their number low. This may be achieved by habitat management to alter the tree species composition and age structure of woodland to suit red but not grey squirrels. Special food hoppers which provide food for red squirrels but not the heavier grey squirrels, can help to tip the balance in favour of red squirrels. Re-introductions to large pine forests may be an important conservation tactic, although further research into the health and welfare of red squirrels during captivity and all phases of a reintroduction programme is needed.

Populations:

Red Squirrels estimated 161,000 (10,000 Wales, 30,000 England & 121,000 Scotland)

Grey Squirrels estimated 2,250,000 ( of which 2,000,000 are in England)

Greys outnumber reds 66:1

Hope for Scotland's red squirrels

SEEING RED: Hope is on the horizon for Scotland's threatened red squirrels. A vaccine is being developed to protect them against a deadly disease carried by their grey cousins. The inoculation could prevent the species from being wiped out if a culling programme to kill the invading greys proves ineffective. The vaccine being worked on at the Moredun Research Institute in Midlothian could be ready in five years. Grey squirrels were introduced to Britain from the US more than 100 years ago.

http://e-edition.metroherald.ie/2010/03/29/ - p8.

Christmas dinners for the animals at Wildwood

As we all rush around trying to find a Christmas Turkey and plan the most important meal of the year, the keepers at Wildwood have been creating their own recipes to give the animals in the park a special treat. Feeding time is like stepping into the kitchen of a London restaurant with stacks of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat being prepared to the highest standards.

Pomegranates, bananas, oranges and clementines are just a few of the healthy options that greet the smaller mammals and birds this Christmas, ‘It gives them something to work on,’ said Christine, one of Wildwood’s keepers, ‘especially the pomegranates where they have to think about how they are going to get at the seeds.’ But there are a few treats in store as well, as the occasional doughnut can be seen inside the Fallow Deer Paddock.

Though Wildwood buys in a much of the food it uses for the animals it also receives donations of out of date food from a supermarket.

‘We are lucky that Sainsburys is very generous to us with their donations of out of date food’ commented Martyn Nicholls, Head of Press and Marketing in the park. ‘In these difficult times they have really made a difference to our animals.’

Wildwood is only closed on Christmas and Boxing day and will be open over the rest of the Christmas holiday so why not walk off your Christmas dinner around the park?

Wildwood's 'Wildlife Conservation Park' is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury. 01227 712111, www.wildwoodtrust.org.

Christmas food facts

Eating mince pies at Christmas dates back to 16th century Britain, where it is still believed that to eat a mince pie on each of the Twelve Days of Christmas will bring 12 happy months in the year to follow.

At lavish Christmas feasts in the Middle Ages, swans and peacocks were sometimes served for dinner.

A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard.

The Christmas turkey first appeared on English tables in the 16th century, but didn't immediately replace the traditional fare of goose, beef or boar's head in the rich households.

In Victorian England, turkeys were popular for Christmas dinners. Some of the birds were raised in Norfolk, and taken to market in London. To get them to London, the turkeys were supplied with boots made of sacking or leather. The turkeys were then walked to market. The boots protected their feet from the frozen mud of the road. Boots were not used for geese: instead, their feet were protected with a covering of tar.

During the Christmas season, over 1.76 billion candy canes will be produced. Candy canes started out as straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorate Christmas trees. A choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral decided have the ends bent to depict a shepherd's crook and he would pass them out to the children to keep them quiet during the services. It wasn't until about the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes and if you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name.

In Armenia, the traditional Christmas Eve meal consists of fried fish, lettuce, and spinach. The meal is traditionally eaten after the Christmas Eve service, in commemoration of the supper eaten by Mary on the evening before Christ's birth.

In the Ukraine, they bake a traditional Christmas bread called "kolach". This bread is braided into a ring, and three such rings are placed one on top of the other, with a candle in the centre of the top one. The three rings symbolize the Holy Trinity. They also set the table for Christmas Eve dinner with two tablecloths: one for the ancestors of the family, the other for the living members as in pagan times, ancestors were believed to be benevolent spirits who, when shown respect, brought good fortune.

The Ukrainians also prepare a traditional twelve-course meal at Christmas time. A family's youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin.

Plans for special sites to save the red squirrel

Monday, 14 December 2009

Special sites designed to safeguard the red squirrel population are to be established across Scotland.

Forestry Commission Scotland has announced that it will lead the work to plan the strongholds in the north of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway.

They will be developed in areas free of grey squirrels, which are a threat to the red squirrels.

The 18 special sites will focus on ensuring food supplies for reds, and limiting food preferred by greys.

The red squirrel is one of the most endangered mammals in the UK, and the non-native grey squirrel is its main enemy.

The strongholds to protect the reds will be developed by Forestry Commission Scotland in association with landowners and managers, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish government.

Each site will be at least 2000 hectares in size, which means around 100,000 hectares of the best forest sites in Scotland will be managed as refuges for red squirrels.

They will supplement the existing work to control the spread of greys and the squirrel pox virus they carry.

Welcoming the move, the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:"Red squirrels are an important and high-profile part of Scotland's biodiversity so it is crucial that we do what we can to safeguard their long-term survival."

The Head of Policy and Advice for Scottish Natural Heritage Ron McDonald said:"Grey squirrels have already displaced red squirrels from most of England and Wales, as well as Scotland's central belt.

"Fortunately much of the north of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway are still grey-free.

"But with sightings of greys becoming more frequent even in some of these areas, it's essential that we act quickly to protect red squirrels and prevent the greys' further migration."

Forestry Commission Scotland will work with landowners and local communities to finalise stronghold maps and develop suitable management plans in all the proposed 18 locations.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8412532.stm

Plans for special sites to save the red squirrel

Monday, 14 December 2009

Special sites designed to safeguard the red squirrel population are to be established across Scotland.

Forestry Commission Scotland has announced that it will lead the work to plan the strongholds in the north of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway.

They will be developed in areas free of grey squirrels, which are a threat to the red squirrels.

The 18 special sites will focus on ensuring food supplies for reds, and limiting food preferred by greys.

The red squirrel is one of the most endangered mammals in the UK, and the non-native grey squirrel is its main enemy.

The strongholds to protect the reds will be developed by Forestry Commission Scotland in association with landowners and managers, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish government.

Each site will be at least 2000 hectares in size, which means around 100,000 hectares of the best forest sites in Scotland will be managed as refuges for red squirrels.

They will supplement the existing work to control the spread of greys and the squirrel pox virus they carry.

Welcoming the move, the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:"Red squirrels are an important and high-profile part of Scotland's biodiversity so it is crucial that we do what we can to safeguard their long-term survival."

The Head of Policy and Advice for Scottish Natural Heritage Ron McDonald said:"Grey squirrels have already displaced red squirrels from most of England and Wales, as well as Scotland's central belt.

"Fortunately much of the north of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway are still grey-free.

"But with sightings of greys becoming more frequent even in some of these areas, it's essential that we act quickly to protect red squirrels and prevent the greys' further migration."

Forestry Commission Scotland will work with landowners and local communities to finalise stronghold maps and develop suitable management plans in all the proposed 18 locations.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8412532.stm

Rope for Wildwood rodents

Wildwood is looking for natural rope to help make the animals lives at the park more interesting.

The enclosures are made as natural as possible so that the inhabitants are comfortable and happy. The keepers change the insides of the enclosures at regular intervals so that the animals are kept amused.

This means that we need a good supply of items to put in the enclosures and we have now run out of rope.

Rodents are very good climbers and rope can be draped around the enclosure in many different ways. Natural fibre rope such as manila, sisal or hemp that hasn't been painted or treated with any chemicals is exactly what Wildwood is looking for.

"Many of the animals love the rope in their enclosures" says Christine Reed, Wildwood Keeper "but with us changing enclosures regularly we are now running short".

Perhaps you have some rope lying around that we could use? If you have please contact the Wildwood Office on 01227 712111.

Rodents are just some of the huge range of British animals that can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park near Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 7820081.

Wildwood's 'Wildlife Conservation Park' is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury.

Rodent Facts

The rodents is the largest of the mammalian orders, with over 2,000 species in it. Familiar rodents include mice, rats and squirrels, but animals such as the porcupine, the beaver and the agouti are also rodents. All rodents have front teeth specialised for gnawing.

Forty percent of mammal species are rodents, and they are found in vast numbers on all continents other than Antarctica. Common rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, beavers, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, degus, chinchillas, prairie dogs, and groundhogs. Rodents have sharp incisors that they use to gnaw wood, break into food, and bite predators. Most eat seeds or plants, though some have more varied diets. Some species have historically been pests, eating seeds stored by people and spreading disease.

Rope for Wildwood rodents

Wildwood is looking for natural rope to help make the animals lives at the park more interesting.

The enclosures are made as natural as possible so that the inhabitants are comfortable and happy. The keepers change the insides of the enclosures at regular intervals so that the animals are kept amused.

This means that we need a good supply of items to put in the enclosures and we have now run out of rope.

Rodents are very good climbers and rope can be draped around the enclosure in many different ways. Natural fibre rope such as manila, sisal or hemp that hasn't been painted or treated with any chemicals is exactly what Wildwood is looking for.

"Many of the animals love the rope in their enclosures" says Christine Reed, Wildwood Keeper "but with us changing enclosures regularly we are now running short".

Perhaps you have some rope lying around that we could use? If you have please contact the Wildwood Office on 01227 712111.

Rodents are just some of the huge range of British animals that can be seen at the Wildwood Discovery Park near Canterbury. For more information visit our website at www.wildwoodtrust.org or telephone 0871 7820081.

Wildwood's 'Wildlife Conservation Park' is an ideal day out for all the family where you can come 'nose to nose' with British Wildlife. Wildwood offers its members and visitors a truly inspirational way to learn about the natural history of Britain by actually seeing the wildlife that once lived here, like the wolf, beaver, red squirrel, wild boar and many more.

Wildwood is situated close to Canterbury, just off the A291 between Herne Bay and Canterbury.

Rodent Facts

The rodents is the largest of the mammalian orders, with over 2,000 species in it. Familiar rodents include mice, rats and squirrels, but animals such as the porcupine, the beaver and the agouti are also rodents. All rodents have front teeth specialised for gnawing.

Forty percent of mammal species are rodents, and they are found in vast numbers on all continents other than Antarctica. Common rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, porcupines, beavers, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, degus, chinchillas, prairie dogs, and groundhogs. Rodents have sharp incisors that they use to gnaw wood, break into food, and bite predators. Most eat seeds or plants, though some have more varied diets. Some species have historically been pests, eating seeds stored by people and spreading disease.