Grey squirrel control

Forest of Bowland Moorland Group

Grey squirrels are native to North America but were intentionally introduced to England and Ireland. Once their population was established, they began to cause problems for the native British red squirrel. The grey squirrel is now classed as an invasive non-native species due to their impact on the red squirrel and broadleaf trees through bark stripping.

Where the grey squirrel is found, the red squirrel population is generally extinct within 15 years through competition and disease spread by the grey squirrel.

Land managers use a variety of methods to control the grey squirrel population such as humane lethal control and humane trapping.

Red squirrels have been sighted close to our estates so the hope is that if the grey squirrel population is controlled, reds will begin to repopulate the area!