Red Squirrel
Why do I need to consider Red Squirrel surveys?
Red squirrel are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended. This legislation makes it illegal to:
- intentionally kill, injure or take red squirrel
- intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a structure or place which is used by the species for shelter or protection or disturb red squirrel while they are using such a place
- possess, sell or control live or dead red squirrel, or parts of red squirrel
Where are they found?
In the UK, red squirrel distribution has significantly reduced, predominantly due to the spread of the invasive grey squirrel, which outcompetes its native counterpart and carries squirrel pox.
Later winter and spring are the optimal period for detailed survey, though survey can be completed throughout the year.
When do I need to consider Red Squirrel surveys?
Generally, any development which has potential to impact upon woodland, either directly or indirectly, in areas where red squirrel remain, should consider the species. Indirect impacts can include creating a pathway for grey squirrel to reach areas that they have not yet colonised that are currently occupied by red squirrel.
The following are examples of works that could impact upon red squirrel and proposals should consider their presence:
- loss of woodland and mature habitats linking areas of woodland
- development within proximity to woodland, in particular residential redevelopments
Our ecologists have provided advice for a number of sites with varying levels of impacts on red squirrel populations. This has included providing advice on survey work requirements and avoidance strategies and designing mitigation and compensation strategies to ensure that projects proceed with minimal impact on the species.
What does a survey consist of?
Initially a desktop study and walkover survey should be carried out to confirm whether there is potential for red squirrel to be present.
If the initial walkover survey finds that there is the potential for red squirrel, then a more detailed survey may be required. Survey work may include surveying the habitat for the presence of squirrel dreys and feeding remains, undertaking walked transects through areas of suitable habitat looking for individuals and the use of hair traps and camera traps.
The level and nature of survey work required will depend upon the potential impact of the development. Further, more intrusive survey work techniques may be required where the potential impacts on a population are high. These can only be undertaken under licence.
What can OS Ecology provide?
OS Ecology Ltd. are fortunate that red squirrel are still present in their home county and the team have knowledge and experience of surveys and in undertaking impact assessments and designing mitigation and compensation schemes for developments where there were potential impacts on the species.