Many areas which were once colonies for red squirrels have been destroyed by Storm Arwen.
Forests have suffered significant damage from the storm, particularly in the Scottish Borders, Northumberland, County Durham, Lancashire, and Cumbria. The impact of the devastation has resulted in many areas, which were once colonies for red squirrels, being destroyed and the RSST, the national charity established to ensure the conservation and protection of the red squirrel in the UK, are concerned that the clear up of these woodlands could result in habitats being further damaged.
Giving advice on how these areas should be managed in order to avoid further damage to colonies, David Bliss, Trustee of the RSST, and CEO of Cumbria’s Lowther Trust, said: “Across the north of England and Scotland large areas of habitat have been lost as a result of Storm Arwen.
“However, red squirrel colonies are amazingly resilient and are very good at readjusting so the priority for those responsible for clearing up is to do this appropriately.
“The temptation to clear up woodland and make it tidy is the wrong thing to do, for all wildlife, not just red squirrels. In the short term, take the best firewood and leave some for nature to recreate their habitats. This is especially important at this time of year as we head into winter. We should also refrain from cutting hedges so that there is habitat left for wildlife such as squirrels.”
Longer-term, expanding natural habitats is key to help the growth and survival of the red squirrel population and ideally, the aim should be to create an extra 10 per cent of natural habitat. Fortunately, there is currently considerable support and schemes for landowners to achieve this goal.
David added: “Repairing these woodlands is not going to happen overnight. However, natural regeneration in the woodland should be something which can be very successful and should be considered.
“We must see this as an opportunity to work with the Woodland Trust, Natural England and the Forestry Commission to take advice on replanting the woodlands. So many of our woodlands have been neglected over the years and they are not of mixed age. Now is the time to build more resilience into these woodlands by replanting different types and looking carefully at what we plant; perhaps also giving additional space for the woodland and wildlife corridors.”
Alongside fundraising for pioneering research, RSST actively supports volunteer groups throughout the UK who, through their commitment to conservation efforts and population monitoring on the ground, lead in the day-to-day fight against red squirrel extinction.
By visiting www.rsst.org.uk you can find the local group closest to you, or alternatively, you can donate to RSST online to ensure the charity can keep funding critical breakthroughs in essential red squirrel research. In order for new findings to be moved into field trials, raising donations will be essential.
