The Government is committed to protecting and expanding red squirrel populations and tackling the threats that grey squirrels in particular pose to them.

In particular, Defra is contributing a total of £50,000 between 2014 and 2016 to research into the Squirrel Pox Vaccine that will help to secure the long term future of red squirrels in the UK.

Additionally, the Forestry Commission continues to support Red Squirrels Northern England, a partnership project between the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, Natural England, the Forestry Commission and the Wildlife Trusts, which is helping to protect and expand the biggest population of red squirrels left in England. Seventeen 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. In the south of England, 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 2014 the Forestry Commission reviewed our approach to grey squirrels. As a result of the review, the Forestry Commission has updated the action plan for grey squirrels in England.

Squirrelpox virus is highly infectious and poses a major threat to red squirrel populations. That is why Defra is contributing £50,000 over two years to the Moredun Research Institute, which is undertaking research on the development of a vaccine for squirrel pox virus.

This adds to the wider package of Government actions being undertaken to protect red squirrels from the impact of grey squirrels and the squirrel pox they carry. This includes Natural England and Forestry Commission participation in the Red Squirrels Northern England project and Forestry Commission provision of grant aid, through the English Woodland Grant Scheme, for grey squirrel control in red squirrel areas.

The Secretary of State asked the Forestry Commission to review the policy for grey squirrels in England set out in the document published in January 2006 entitled ‘Grey Squirrels and England’s Woodlands: Policy and Action’ with a view to making improvements where necessary. Following a stakeholder meeting earlier this year and other information received and researched Government is considering advice from the Forestry Commission on the future of grey squirrel policy in England.

At the UK level Government has signed the Squirrel Accord which will draw together UK organisations involved in both red squirrel conservation and grey squirrel control for protection of woodlands under a common aim. Defra and Forestry Commission are working with the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and others on an effective system for administering and supporting the Accord going forward.

Warfarin was until recently approved for use in plant protection products against grey squirrels. That approval expired on 31 March 2014, although if purchased before that date it may be used until 30 September 2015. A new application for approval may be submitted at any time. Defra would like people to have the tools that they need to control grey squirrels. However, it is a commercial decision for the company that manufactures the product whether to apply for approval. Warfarin remains approved for indoor use in biocidal products for control of grey squirrels which may find their way into property and cause a nuisance.