Red squirrels given extra protection in Cumbria

The buffer zone has been extended around England's largest red squirrel colony. Credit Forestry Commission.

January 2010. Conservations chiefs have extended a vital red squirrel buffer zone in Cumbria to slow down the migration of greys towards the Scottish border.

The zone has been extended west from Kielder Forest - the largest red squirrel reserve in the country which is managed by the Forestry Commission and which also includes the Cumbrian woods of Kershope and Spaedadam - to cut off the land gap between the forest and the Solway Firth.

Buffer zones to keep grey squirrels away
Buffer zones are a key part of efforts to protect reds from encroachment by their grey cousins, which were introduced into the UK from North America in the 19th century. They provide a focus for grey squirrel control around 17 specially designated red squirrel reserves.

Now for the first time Forestry Commission grants will be available in the extended area covering 50 square miles to support land managers in tackling the spread of the greys using humane traps and methods.

Pox virus
Brendan Callaghan from the Forestry Commission explained: "Joined up thinking and action is the key to safeguarding the future of reds in northern England and the Scottish borders. We know that the Cumbrian greys have a much higher incidence of carrying the pox virus, which is deadly when passed onto the reds. Although there are greys on the Scottish side of the Border, they don't carry the virus to anything like the same extent. That is why it makes sense to extend the Kielder buffer zone westwards to the sea to try and keep these grey populations apart which will also help efforts north of the Border."

60-80% greys carry squirrel pox
Between 60 and 80% of grey squirrels in Cumbria typically show antibodies for the squirrel pox virus when blood tested. This means they have been exposed to the virus and may be carriers. The virus was not present in greys in Scotland until very recently. The first death of a red squirrel in Scotland due to the virus was in May 2007 near Dumfries.

Kielder has 60% of England's red squirrels
The Kielder Forest reserve is home to around 60% of England's remaining red squirrels. The Forestry Commission has altered its design plans for the woodland - the largest in England - which will see only small-seed broadleaf trees planted in addition to conifers. Reds enjoy a greater competitive advantage in this kind of habitat over the greys.

In the spring some of the partners involved in red squirrel conservation will be undertaking a wide-ranging review to assess the effectiveness of the reserves, which were first established in 2004. Last October the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, Natural England and the Forestry Commission also announced a new initiative to map grey squirrel control efforts in the northern England, taking account of work by landowners, institutions, volunteers and local groups. This work will also help in co-ordinating future strategy.

For further details of grants available in red squirrel reserve buffer zones in Cumbria contact the Forestry Commission's North West regional office on 017687 76616.