The Grey/Red Debate

Should red squirrels be saved?  Should grey squirrels be killed?  Do we need to manage forests for the red squirrel?  These are some of the questions that we face every day.

As red squirrels have been found in England since the end of the last Ice Age, and are part of our native fauna, we believe it is vital that we keep a healthy and thriving population within England.  In addition, they are an integral part of our cultural heritage featuring in stories, poems and local beliefs; perhaps most notably Beatrix Potter's 'Squirrel Nutkin'.  In addition, these attractive animals are a real draw for visitors to areas where they live; the Red Squirrel Refuge at Sefton attracts around 400,000 people a year, just to see the red squirrels.

The non-native grey squirrel was introduced to England in the late 1870's from America and is the primary cause of decline of the red squirrel. It does so by out-competing red squirrels for food in deciduous and mixed woodlands and transmitting a virus, the squirrel poxvirus, that is lethal to red squirrels.

In order to enable long-term survival of the red squirrel on mainland England, it is necessary to control grey squirrels. SoS advocates targeted grey control - in areas where it will directly help to protect red squirrel populations by reducing competition, and stemming the spread of squirrel poxvirus.

However, not everyone agrees that the red squirrel should be saved on the British mainland.  Some think all conservation efforts should be focused on islands such as Anglesey and the Isle of Wight.  Others do not like the idea of controlling grey squirrels, even if it is to save the reds.

What do you think?

Read the evidence for yourself and make up your own mind.  Read about Red Squirrel Conservation, our information sheets and the research links on this website.