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 her policy is on the conservation of the red squirrel.

Answer: In England, the approach to red squirrel conservation is to secure long-term habitat and conditions favouring the red squirrel in areas which grey squirrels have not yet reached in significant numbers and to limit grey squirrel expansion into these areas.In the south-east, where there are secure populations on the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour Islands there is an action plan in place to respond to the appearance of grey squirrels. In the north of England 17 reserves have been identified where long-term survival of the species is considered most likely. Targeted control of grey squirrels is carried out in the reserves and surrounding buffer zones. In addition, the reserves and surrounding areas are being managed in ways that favour red squirrels.The Forestry Commission and Natural England are, on behalf of Government, delivering this policy in partnership with the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, landowners and volunteers through the Red Squirrel North England Project.

Secondary information