Written question asked by William Bain (Labour) on Friday, 25 February 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 March 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Squirrels: Conservation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding her Department provided for the conservation of the red squirrel population in the latest period for which figures are available.

Answer: Natural England is currently focusing red squirrel conservation effort in England on the Red Squirrel Northern England Project. This project was initiated by Natural England and partner organisations following a review of red squirrel conservation activity in northern England.In 2010-11 Natural England provided funding of c£151,000 for this project which covers:"Setting up the core team.""The creation of a grey squirrel control strategy for each stronghold.""The development of a widely accepted methodology and protocol for monitoring squirrel populations, the efficacy of control and extent of squirrel pox virus.""Developing the partnership and supporting its longer term planning."Under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), the Forestry Commission awards funding for woodland management (including pest control) through the English Woodland Grant Scheme. DEFRA is the managing authority for the RDPE and is responsible for its implementation under EU law.Figures for 2009-10 from the English Woodland Grant Scheme:"Woodland Management Grant: £95,250""Woodland Improvement Grant: £159,007"Both relate to expenditure in the Red Squirrel Reserves. Figures for 2010-11 are not currently available.

Secondary information