100,000 hectares to be designated as red squirrel refuges
28th March 2009
The red squirrel is one of the most threatened mammals in the UK, with the non-native introduced grey squirrel being the primary threat. The red squirrel population in Scotland is thought to be around 120,000 animals, which now represents about 75% of red squirrels in the UK - a proportion that continues to grow.
Red squirrel strongholds to add new line of defence
March 2009. A major new front is to be opened up in the battle to save Scotland's red squirrels with the creation of 18 ‘stronghold areas' across the country.
The Forestry Commission Scotland initiative, which is to be carried out in partnership with landowners and managers, will see around 100,000 ha of the best forest sites managed as refuges for red squirrels.
Forest habitats
The stronghold habitats - large forest networks possessing an existing red squirrel population - will be managed to create environments that are favoured by red squirrels but shunned by greys.
Launching a consultation on the project, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham said: "Strongholds are an important additional safeguard for the long-term survival of red squirrels in Scotland.
"A lot of work is being done to prevent the spread of grey squirrels and the squirrel pox virus they carry, but it is equally important that we find and manage habitats in such a way that will give red squirrels a competitive advantage and the opportunity to thrive. Over time these sites will become increasingly welcoming habitats for red squirrels, but will remain of little interest to greys.
"It is encouraging and welcome that this initiative has won the backing and support of private landowners. Their co-operation and participation is vital if we are to ensure the success of this long term conservation opportunity."
Food supplies for reds
Key to the management of these sites will be the development of consistent food supplies for red squirrels. Retaining older, cone-bearing conifers and diversifying conifer species will increase the food available to red squirrels. Restricting food sources preferred by greys - large seeded broadleaves such as oak, beech, chestnut and hazel - will discourage greys from moving into the stronghold areas. Trapping greys will help to protect the red squirrels if greys are found to be making significant incursions into the site.
The stronghold sites - each at least 2000 hectares in size and including significant areas of conifer - are:
*
Ordiequish/Whiteash/Ben Aigan
*
Eredine
*
Culbin Forest
*
Inverliever
*
Kilmichael
*
Glentochty
*
Black Isle
*
South Rannoch
*
Abernethy
*
Nethy Bridge
*
Glen Glass
*
Fleet Basin
*
Morangie Forest
*
Daviot Loch Moy
*
Inshriach and Glenfeshie
*
Leanachan
*
Balmoral to Inver
*
Eskdalemuir
*
Glenbranter
Apart from certain restrictions on tree species choice and modifications to felling patterns, other activities - such as recreation or timber production - will not be curtailed.
Anyone who would like to find out more and contribute to the development of stronghold areas can visit www.forestry.gov.uk/strongholdsconsultation on the Forestry Commission Scotland website and take part in the consultation, which runs until June 2009.
Red squirrel strongholds to add new line of defence
March 2009. A major new front is to be opened up in the battle to save Scotland's red squirrels with the creation of 18 ‘stronghold areas' across the country.
The Forestry Commission Scotland initiative, which is to be carried out in partnership with landowners and managers, will see around 100,000 ha of the best forest sites managed as refuges for red squirrels.
Forest habitats
The stronghold habitats - large forest networks possessing an existing red squirrel population - will be managed to create environments that are favoured by red squirrels but shunned by greys.
Launching a consultation on the project, Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham said: "Strongholds are an important additional safeguard for the long-term survival of red squirrels in Scotland.
"A lot of work is being done to prevent the spread of grey squirrels and the squirrel pox virus they carry, but it is equally important that we find and manage habitats in such a way that will give red squirrels a competitive advantage and the opportunity to thrive. Over time these sites will become increasingly welcoming habitats for red squirrels, but will remain of little interest to greys.
"It is encouraging and welcome that this initiative has won the backing and support of private landowners. Their co-operation and participation is vital if we are to ensure the success of this long term conservation opportunity."
Food supplies for reds
Key to the management of these sites will be the development of consistent food supplies for red squirrels. Retaining older, cone-bearing conifers and diversifying conifer species will increase the food available to red squirrels. Restricting food sources preferred by greys - large seeded broadleaves such as oak, beech, chestnut and hazel - will discourage greys from moving into the stronghold areas. Trapping greys will help to protect the red squirrels if greys are found to be making significant incursions into the site.
The stronghold sites - each at least 2000 hectares in size and including significant areas of conifer - are:
*
Ordiequish/Whiteash/Ben Aigan
*
Eredine
*
Culbin Forest
*
Inverliever
*
Kilmichael
*
Glentochty
*
Black Isle
*
South Rannoch
*
Abernethy
*
Nethy Bridge
*
Glen Glass
*
Fleet Basin
*
Morangie Forest
*
Daviot Loch Moy
*
Inshriach and Glenfeshie
*
Leanachan
*
Balmoral to Inver
*
Eskdalemuir
*
Glenbranter
Apart from certain restrictions on tree species choice and modifications to felling patterns, other activities - such as recreation or timber production - will not be curtailed.
Anyone who would like to find out more and contribute to the development of stronghold areas can visit www.forestry.gov.uk/strongholdsconsultation on the Forestry Commission Scotland website and take part in the consultation, which runs until June 2009.
