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Red
Squirrels and Woodland Management
Mixed
woodland
In
'mixed broadleaf/conifer woodlands', management for red squirrels
should focus on enhancing the conifer element, whilst maintaining the
balance of broadleaf/conifer species. This will help to provide long-term
habitat for the reds. For of the coniferous element follow the
recommendations under 'Coniferous Woodland'.
Undertake
grey squirrel control if they are directly competing with red squirrels
the same wood. Ancient
semi-natural woodland is our most ecologically important woodland as it
has naturally established over many centuries, and contains many valuable
species and habitats. The objective of management of ancient semi-natural
woodland will be other than, or may have a higher priority than red squirrel
conservation. Management cannot therefore be targeted purely at red squirrel
conservation, whether grey squirrels are present or not. However the following
operations are beneficial to other species of wildlife as well as the
red squirrel.
-
Reduce
grazing to promote the understorey shrub layer. Shrubs should regenerate
naturally in woods providing grazing is not too severe. However, shrubs
native to the area could also be planted.
-
Where the presence of conifers is not degrading an existing feature
of conservation interest, e.g. ground flora, retain seeding
conifers until they become non-productive, rather
than felling immediately.
-
Thin
sections of the wood to promote natural regeneration or reintroduce
coppicing where appropriate. This results in a good age distribution
of trees and creases the seed crop
available. Avoid felling or thinning trees between February and July
(the breeding season).
-
Ensure
dead wood is left to provide a rich invertabrate habitat, and encourage
fungi which red squirrels will eat.
-
Promote
a mixture of native broadleaved species appropriate to the locality
in any new plantings.
-
Undertake
grey squirrel control if they are directly competing with red squirrels
the same wood.
-
If
the site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), English
Nature should be contacted prior to any management being carried out.
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