Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

There is a lot of talk about reintroduction of species into the UK that have become extinct, and rightly so. The red squirrel now only lives in a few areas in the UK (mainly because of grey squirrels as we all know), is there anything being done to reintroduce the red squirrel back into areas where greys have taken over?

I admit I don't know much about it, but it does seem like reintroducing reds to areas with specially made food boxes that greys can't use and simultaneously culling the grey squirrels might at least give the red squirrels a foothold in an area where they no longer live.

Are schemes like this already happening? If not, then what is the reason that they wouldn't work?

The main problem I can see is that the ultimate goal would be to have the red squirrels sustain themselves naturally without help from humans, but as soon as you took the boxes away the grey squirrels would probably take over again.

A good idea in theory, but the habitat for red squirrels only exists in a few places in the UK now, & like many threatened species, it is pointless reintroducing animals if the habitat they need has been destroyed by man!
Cull a few people I say!!!

I am sure that Kingfisher would say EMGS (Eat More Grey Squirrels) Sorry for quoting you but you are famous now Kingfisher along with your love of Hedgpigs!!! I back your sentiments with all my heart!!!!
Have you got any recipes then??? We are still inundated with them.

Yes unfortunately I don't think it would work partly because the red squirrels habitat no longer exists in most places and partly because it would be almost impossible to stop the grey squirrels saking over again after some time (no matter how many you ate ).

I think the best use of time in this case is to try and preserve the red squirrels habitat in places that they still live, rather than try and reintroduce them to other areas.

I agree entirely Xeract.

I'll get back to you on that... . It's scary that we recognise the acronym for EGS and EMGS, isn't it?

Kingfisher

The following suggestions are taken from the Rivercottage Cookbook.

Like rabbits, squirrels should be gutted as soon as possible after killing, after which they can be hung for up to 4 days in cool weather (although this isn't necessary with younger animals). Skinning is as for a rabbit, but can be particularly hard with an older animal.

All the good meat is on the back legs and there is a bit of worthwhile meat on the saddle. The best way to joint them therefore is to cut a skinned squirrel in two, just below the front legs. The two haunches, still joined together, with the saddle attached, make a perfect one-person portion. Or they can be separated to make smaller portions for a casserole.

Cooking depends upon the age of the animal (size, ragged claws and worn teeth are good indicators of an older animal). Young squirrels are particularly tender and can be sauteed, grilled or barbecued. Or use them in any good chicken or rabbit recipe.
Older animals can still be grilled or barbecued but will need marinating first and will be a little chewier. They are also ideal for slow cooking and could be substituted for partridge (equivalent to one set of haunches), pheasant or rabbit (equivalent to two or three sets of haunches) in any casserole recipe. And don't forget the good fat bacon to keep them juicy.

I should point out that I haven't tried any of this myself, so would be interested to hear from the more adventurous amongst you

Thank you for all your replies. Sorry for my ignorance, I hadn't thought of the change in habitat, only of the introduction of grey squirrels. What could the average person do to help red squirrels return to there area, or is it too far gone for that now?

Grey squirrels are the main problem for the reds but not the only one, loss of habitat has a big effect on population numbers.

If you live in Northern England or Scotland then there are things you can do to help, you can still try in other places but red squirrels are rarely seen anywhere else.

I think one of the most important things is reporting any sightings, especially if you see a dead squirrel because it could be carrying a disease known as squirrelpox. You can get specially made red squirrel boxes which may also help the squirrels to nest.

I heard that red squirrels adpat well to living in pine forests but these don't sustain grey squirrels?

There are red squirrels on Brownsea Island near Bournemouth - an amazing place to go and visit!

Their favourite environment as coniferous forests although they can live in other types of woodland. In coniferous woodland the red squirrels "win" over the grey squirrels as they are smaller and so find it easier to get food from the thin ends of branches.

I haven't been to Brownsea Island, I just had a quick look at its wwebsite and it looks a brilliant place to go.

When I think about Xeracts comments about coniferous /mixed forests that seems quite true that reds should prosper there. We do still have lots of coniferous forests which are managed properly so I do not think that it is impossible to try to re-intorduce as long as they have been studied & can sustain the re-introduction. Of course the greys would also have to be practically managed to stop them taking over.

I just found a really interesting article online about an attempt to reintroduce red squirrels to a small area that could still support them in Newborough forest and other areas. They say the first step was to remove the greys. There are now 40 red squirrels in the forest, which is a fantastic result.

http://www.redsquirrels.info/intro.html

That's not only good news Bill but a very interesting article.Thanks for that.

Sorry Timberwolf I forgot to mention the EMGS recipe , sounds 'orrible!!

I must admit, it didn't have me running to get the pot out

Sadly, in my area (Surrey) the only red squirrels I'm ever likely to see will be in cages. I would love to think that the reds could be released into the wild, but unless there is an all-out war on the grey, that won't happen here, as there must be millions of them.

Unfortunately, the greys also do a lot of damage to our woodland, where they strip the bark from the trees (especially beech), allowing disease to take hold. Where we've been working recently clearing footpaths there has been ample evidence of the destructive nature of the grey.

Does anyone know why it was introduced into this country in the first place?