RED SQUIRREL ACTION PLAN

RED SQUIRREL

LOCAL SPECIES ACTION PLAN

SUMMARY

The red squirrel is Britain’s only native squirrel. Formerly widespread in the UK, it is now restricted to Scotland, Northern Ireland and North England with small pockets found elsewhere. Seventy five per cent of the UK population is found in Scotland with an estimated population of 120, 000.

Records from the Forestry Commission suggest that the North East has the largest area in which red squirrels have been continuously present between 1973 and 1992.

At present red squirrels are found throughout the North East with strong populations in Deeside, Donside and Speyside. However, there have been increased sightings in recent years of the introduced grey squirrel, especially in areas around Aberdeen City where they were introduced to parks around 30 years ago. Evidence from elsewhere in the UK suggests that grey squirrels will eventually oust red squirrels from their traditional territories. The purpose of this plan is to identify and monitor our core red squirrel areas and ensure the management of these and other areas for the future benefit of our resident population.

1. CURRENT STATUS

1.1 Legal Protection

The red squirrel is protected under schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Under this legislation it is illegal to "intentionally kill, injure or take" or "damage, destroy or obstruct" access to any structure or place used for shelter or protection, or to disturb any animal while it is in a drey. Forestry operations are not prevented by this legislation but are expected to cause minimal disturbance and minimise loss of habitat.

1.2 UK Status

The red squirrel was formerly widespread over the UK but has been lost from larger areas of the country, over the last 50 years. The species is now found only in Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England and small pockets in Wales and southern England. As the grey squirrel continues to spread there is concern that red squirrels may disappear completely from mainland England and Wales within the next 20 years. The future of the red squirrel in Scotland is also far from secure.

1.3 Regional Status

Historical records for the North East have been sketchy or carried out on too large a scale. However the Forestry Commission used to carry out an annual squirrel survey nationally, which suggested that the North East has the largest area in which red squirrels have been continuously present between 1973 and 1992. SNH also carried out local surveys with schools in 1997-98, and have recorded casual sightings since 1985.

In 2000, the Grampian Squirrel Group carried out a survey over the entire Grampian area, to try and record all known red and grey squirrel sightings in the area. The Squirrel Distribution Grampian map shows the results of the 2000 survey combined with the results of the SNH survey.

The map shows apparently strong populations of red squirrels in the large areas of mainly coniferous forest in the North East. However, the map also clearly shows how the grey squirrels are spreading out of Aberdeen, following the mature broadleaved corridors on the banks of the Dee and the Don in their search for new territory.

2. ECOLOGICAL DATA

Traditionally red squirrels were found in all types of woodland habitat. However, in the North East they Have come to be associated mainly with coniferous woods. Scots pine, larch and Norway spruce are prime habitats for the red squirrel, although in the absence of grey squirrels, broadleaved woodland is also important.

Red squirrels can have 2 litters a year, with 3-4 kittens in each litter, and can live to an age of 6 years. Their main diet is composed of seeds, buds, leaves, flower shoots and the fruit of many trees and shrubs, fungi, insects and occasional bird’s eggs. Typical population densities vary between 1.81 per ha and 2.1 per ha, and populations vary from year to year depending on the seed crop.

In the North East, prime squirrel habitat is to be found in the pinewoods of Deeside and Donside, whilst elsewhere in the North East, commercial forestry plantations provide valuable habitat. Since 1970, the broadleaved woodland area in and around Aberdeen has been progressively colonised by grey squirrels, from a core population introduced into the city parks. Although red and grey squirrels have co-habited in some mixed woodlands for over 30 years, it is not yet clear how long the red squirrels will be able to maintain their presence in these areas. A key message from the UK strategy is to promote sustainable woodland management favouring red squirrels and discouraging greys.

3. CURRENT FACTORS AFFECTING RED SQUIRRELS

3.1 Competition from the Introduced Grey Squirrel

Evidence from further south continues to suggest that the presence of grey squirrels is detrimental to the local red squirrel population. The reasons are yet to be understood. However, it is thought that the grey’s ability to have a wider range of diet than the red’s, combined with a fast colonisation rate, all act to gradually force red numbers down. Grey squirrels can digest acorns more efficiently than red squirrels. Because grey squirrels can eat hazelnuts before they are ripe, there is a reduced availability of a valuable end of summer food source for red squirrels. It is now known that the presence of corridors of large seeded broadleaves, such as oak or beech, is frequently required for the grey squirrels to arrive and colonise in areas previously occupied only by red squirrels.

Evidence from research in Wales has shown that even where grey squirrels have taken up residence in conifer areas, they still rely strongly on large seeded broadleaves for food, especially in times of a light cone crop. Research is continuing and new details are being discovered all the time.

3.2 Habitat Destruction

Loss of habitat can arise through a variety of factors. Large-scale forestry clearfells can destroy or isolate communities, as red squirrels are vulnerable on the ground and require some linking corridors of trees and shrubs that will provide cover and reduce predation.

The planting of Sitka spruce as a monoculture is thought to provide a poor habitat for red squirrels due to its unpredictable coning cycle. Also, the small seeds produced do not remain viable for as long as seed from some other conifer cones.

New housing or other development may also pose a serious threat to established red squirrel colonies, by isolating or destroying resident communities. The use of large seeded species in landscaping may also cause a future hazard.

Current research suggests that the minimum area of woodland required for a colony to be self-sustaining, is 200 ha. This may include adjoining woodlands, but any disruption of these areas could have serious repercussions for the existing population.

3.3 Disease

There is evidence in England that Parapox virus, fatal to red squirrels, can be carried by grey squirrels. This disease has not yet been discovered in Scotland, but the medical examination of both red and grey corpses is essential in the monitoring of this disease.

4. CURRENT ACTION

The Grampian Squirrel Group, formed in 1999, is a combination of government bodies such as the Forestry Commission and Scottish Natural Heritage and private landowners including the National Trust for Scotland, and a number of private estates, as well as interested individuals. The Group is part of the Scottish Squirrel Group, which acts as a forum to co-ordinate activities aiming to conserve the red squirrel in Scotland.

The Scottish Squirrel Group is represented on the UK Red Squirrel Group, which facilitates the co-ordination of red squirrel conservation throughout the UK.

The Scottish Squirrel Group are encouraging all squirrel groups to identify priority areas where red squirrel populations appear stable, and which can be targeted as a focus for conservation management. A priority area may be a mixed conifer woodland over 200 ha in size, supporting a healthy red squirrel population.

A major objective of the Grampian Squirrel Group was to carry out a survey of the Grampian area. This was completed in 2000.

5. BENEFITS

Red squirrels are one of our most familiar and well-loved mammals and "they fill an important ecological niche in Britain" (Gurnell et al 1993). Therefore, not only do we have a moral and legal obligation to protect this species from extinction, but there is considerable public support in doing so. The benefits of implementing the red squirrel action plan in the North East, include the reduced spread of grey squirrels and disease, and decreased damage to trees, caused by grey squirrels.

Implementation of this plan will publicise and protect the habitat requirements of red squirrels in the North East of Scotland. The plan should lead to a co-ordination of effort by different landowners to ensure that identified core or buffer woodland areas are managed towards creating a long-term red squirrel-friendly habitat. This will be based on the woodlands identified in the existing survey detail and the vital future updating of this data. Most importantly, the plan should be a valuable guide in the or perhaps in "design and management" of forestry and in development planning.

6. UK BIODIVERSITY OBJECTIVES & TARGETS

In 1995 the Biodiversity Steering Group published action plans for 116 threatened or vulnerable species which required immediate action. The red squirrel was one of these.

The main objectives of the UK Action Plan are:

To maintain viable self-sustaining populations of red squirrels in areas where red squirrel populations are healthy and where grey squirrels are currently rare or absent. Such areas might be either sensitive for grey squirrels or vulnerable to grey squirrel invasions.

Wherever practicable, to maintain or expand red squirrel populations, which are currently threatened because of isolation, small size or proximity to grey squirrel populations.

To reintroduce red squirrels to selected areas in their former natural range where the ecosystem can be effectively managed to support viable populations.

7. OBJECTIVES AND PROPOSED TARGETS

Principal Objectives

Maintain self-sustaining populations of red squirrels in areas where red squirrel populations are healthy and where grey squirrels are currently rare or absent, and protect or expand red squirrel populations that are currently threatened because of isolation, small size or proximity to grey squirrel populations.

Target: No loss of red squirrels in existing key habitat. Successful management set up in key areas, to protect and expand red squirrel populations and discourage greys, by 2007.

7.1

Policy and Legislation

Objective 1: Ensure that the needs of red squirrels are considered in all planning applications and procedures, nature conservation strategies, forestry strategies, management plans and planting schemes.

Target: All relevant planning and statutory bodies are aware of red squirrel habitat needs, through briefings, seminars and workshops by the Grampian Squirrel Group.

Time: By end of 2002, with updates every three years.

7.2 Survey and Monitoring

Objective 2: Identify red squirrel core areas, grey squirrel areas, and the buffer zones between the two species.

Target: Core red squirrel areas and buffer zones between red and grey squirrel areas established through the Grampian Squirrel Survey and ongoing monitoring.

Time: Annual monitoring 2002 onwards, new complete survey in 2005.

Objective 3: Determine the conservation status of red squirrels, threats to their viability and the effects of different forestry management upon them.

Target: Conservation status, threats, and effects of different forest management techniques in the North East identified, using data collected through the Grampian Squirrel Survey.

Time: By 2005.

7.3 Protection and Enhancement of Key Red Squirrel Populations

Objective 4: Alleviate grey squirrel threats to resident red squirrel populations, through habitat management to benefit red squirrels and by controlling grey squirrels in buffer zones, following UK guidance.

Target: Identify all woodlands containing both red and grey squirrel populations and contact and advise owners on best management practice.

Time: By end of 2003.

7.4 Education and Awareness Raising

Objective 5: Increase awareness of the need for red squirrel conservation and encourage public involvement.

Target: Promote the Species Action Plan and the need for red squirrel conservation through the local media, events and through relevant government and non-government bodies.

Time: 2002 ongoing.

This action plan was prepared by Gavin Legge, with input from the Grampian Squirrel Group.

REFERENCES

Joint Natural Conservation Committee (JNCC) (1996) UK strategy for red squirrel conservation.

Gurnell J and Pepper H (1993) A critical look at conserving the British Red Squirrel. Mammal Review 23:3/4:127-137.

Pepper H, Bryce J, and Cartmel S (1999-2000) Co existence of red squirrels and grey squirrels. Forest Research Annual Report.

Pepper H and Patterson G (1998) Red squirrel conservation. Forestry Commission Practice Note.

Reynolds, J and Bentley, S (2001) Selecting Refuge Sites for Red Squirrel Conservation.

Paper prepared for the English Squirrel Forum.

Scottish Natural Heritage (1998) Scottish Strategy for Red Squirrel Conservation.

Operational Objective	Outline Prescription	Objective	Partners	Lead Partner	Cost	Fund Source	Year	Priority
1. Ensure the needs of red squirrels are considered in all planning, forestry and nature conservation applications and schemes.	Send copy of SAP to all consultees, emphasising that red squirrels should be considered in all forest design plans, forest plans, WGS applications, management plans, planting schemes, and planning consultations.	1	FC, SNH, LA, LBAP	LBAP	*	FC, SNH, LA, LBAP	2002	H
	Hold red squirrel workshops and briefing sessions with local authority services and statutory agencies, to raise awareness of red squirrel needs.	1, 5	FC, LBAP	FC	*	FC, LBAP	2002	H
2. Increase knowledge of location of red and grey squirrels in North East Scotland through production of distribution map showing the two species and most importantly the buffer zone, the 1-3km corridor dividing the two species.	Add yearly data to Grampian Squirrel Survey. Data to be held at NESBReC	2, 3	GSG, NESBReC	GSG	*	FC, SNH	M
	Conduct repeat survey every five years. Data to be held at NESBReC	2, 3	GSG, NESBReC	GSG	£2000	FC, SNH	2005 and 2010	M
3. Locate and identify core red squirrel areas. These are areas of woodland that together or singularly form a block of 200ha or above, this being the minimum area required to support a long term viable population.	Notify Planning services and statutory organisations of all sites over 200 ha with resident red squirrel populations.	2, 3, 5	FC, NESBReC	NESBReC	*	NESBReC	2002	M
	Integrate survey detail of all woodlands over 200 ha onto GIS, that have, or potentially have, red squirrel populations.	1, 5	FC, NESBReC	FC, NESBReC	£500	FC, SNH, ACP	2002	H
4. Prioritise red squirrel areas for management.	Draft a list prioritising those sites requiring the most urgent attention, guided by the paper "Selecting Refuge Sites for Red Squirrel Conservation" by Jason Reynolds and Sarah Bentley (2001), and using survey data from core red squirrel areas identified in Operational Objective 3 above.	2	FC, GSG, NESBReC, LBAP, ACP, LA, SWT, landowners	FC	*	FC, NESBReCACP	Early 2002	H
	Consult on draft list of priority areas for management with relevant woodland managers.	2, 3, 4	FC, GSG, LBAP, ACP, LA, FWAG	FC	£1000 per year	FC, LBAP	2002 -ongoing	H
5. Liaise with landowners to agree management of buffer zones and priority woodlands.	Divide list of priority sites between members of the GSG, for group members to liaise with individual landowners.	1, 3, 4	GSG, ACP, SWT	GSG	*	GSG, ACP	2002 -ongoing	H
	Identify land ownership and produce list of owners. Contact owners via post, visits, and/or meetings.	1, 3, 4	GSG, ACP	GSG	*	GSG, ACP	2002 -ongoing	H
6. Advise on appropriate habitat management and sources of grant available.	Issue and refer to FC practice note Red squirrel Conservation by Pepper and Patterson (1998), ensuring coverage of owners whose grounds make up 2000 ha blocks.	4	FC, SWT, SNH	FC	*	FC, ACP	2002 - ongoing	H
	Target all owners of contiguous blocks making up 200 + ha within the buffer zone, identified between red and grey squirrel populations in Operational Objective 2 above.	4	FC, SNH, SWT, FWAG	FC	£1500	FC, ACP	2002 - ongoing	H
7. Control spread of grey squirrels.	Prepare contingency plans for control of grey squirrels by identifying all woodland priority areas containing grey squirrels and compiling a list, including ownership.	4	GSG	GSG	£500	FC, SNH, ACP, SWT	2003	M
	Contact owners of woodland containing grey squirrels and agree management plan.	4	GSG, FWAG	FC	£5000	FC, SNH, ACP, SWT	2003 - ongoing	M
8. Monitor red squirrel management success and grey squirrel control.	Monitor sites where habitat management has been undertaken, using data from the Grampian Squirrel Survey.	2	GSG	GSG	*	FC, SNH	2002 onwards	M
9. Raise awareness of red squirrel conservation.	Run at least 2 Ranger events on red squirrels per year.	5	LBAP, LA/FC Rangers, SWT	LA/FC Rangers	*	LA, FC	2001 - ongoing	H
	Present at least 2 red squirrel talks per year.	5	LBAP, LA/FC Rangers, SWT	LA/FC Rangers	*	LA, FC	2001 - ongoing	H
	Produce a regional leaflet to promote the action plan and the core and buffer zones.	5	GSG, LBAP, FC, SWT	LBAP	£5,000	LBAP, SNH	2002	H
	Promote awareness of the conservation needs and impacts of squirrels through talks, activities, project work in schools and colleges	5	LBAP, LA/FC Rangers	LA/FC Rangers	£5,000	LA, FC	2002 - ongoing	M
10. Integrate the plan with other local SAPs, HAPs and management objectives.	Consider actions from red squirrel SAP when developing all new HAPs and SAPs, to minimise conflicts between different plan objectives.	1, 5	LBAP	LBAP	*	LBAP	Ongoing	H
	Send copy of red squirrel SAP to the Tayside, Cairngorm and Highland Biodiversity LBAP Partnerships.	1, 5	LBAP	LBAP	*	LBAP	2002	H
	Attend Scottish Squirrel Group meetings.	1, 5	GSG	GSG	*	GSG	Ongoing	M
11. Promote research	Identify and promote future research topics on red and grey squirrel ecology, distribution and management techniques.	3	FC, SNH, LBAP, GSG	GSG	?	?	2002 ongoing	M
12. Monitor and review the delivery of SAP target achievements.	Monitor success of actions from red squirrel SAP annually and in detail every 5 years.	2, 3, 4	GSG, LBAP	GSG	*	LBAP	Annually	M
	Review and direct new actions as required through the Grampian Squirrel Group.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	GSG, FC, LBAP	GSG	*	GSG	Ongoing & 2005	M

* Indicates actions that can be achieved at low cost as part of existing activities.

KEY

ACP – Aberdeen Countryside Project, FC – Forestry Commission, FWAG – Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, GSG – Grampian Squirrel Group, LA – Local Authority, LBAP – Local Biodiversity Action Plan, NESBReC – North East Scotland Biological Records Centre, SNH – Scottish Natural Heritage, SWT – Scottish Wildlife Trust