Red Squirrels and Woodland Management

Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands

Large seeded broadleaved species such as oak (Quercus spp.), elm (Ulmus glabra), sweet  chestnut (Castinea sativa), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and hazel (Corylus avellana) are used by reds, but should be discouraged as they also attract greys. Where small numbers of large seeded broadleaved species occur within a coniferous wood, they should, where possible be replaced with small seeded broadleaved species suited to the locality such as:

• willow (Salix spp.)

• aspen (Populus tremulus)

• birch (Betula spp.)

• alder (Alnus glutinosa)

• rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).

Within a woodland, at least 10% shrub layer will help to provide alternative sources of food for the red squirrels. The following species are used by red squirrels:

• Hawthorn (Cratageous monogyna) 

• Dog rose (Rosa canina) 

• Guelder rose (Virburnum opulus). 

Avoid felling or thinning trees between February and July (the breeding season). 

Felling should take place in small coupes, the acceptable size of felling areas is dependant on the total size of the wood. Large scale clearfelling should be avoided. 

It is important that felling does not fragment the woodland canopy; links must be retained between seed producing areas to prevent isolation and facilitate movement of red squirrels between them. However this should not preclude opening up the canopy of dense woods, e.g. by thinning. 

Encourage new plantings in appropriate areas, using the preferred conifer species. If a broadleaf content is required use small seeded species listed above. When conifers are to be planted, aim to extend the size of existing woods, and consolidate fragmented woods. The objective is to maintain continuous woodland canopy by joining woodland blocks with ribbons or corridors of woodland. However, avoid linking coniferous woods with ideal grey habitat. 

Undertake grey squirrel control if they are directly competing with red squirrels in the same wood. This includes broadleaf or mixed woods/plantations, but excludes all ancient semi-natural woodlands. Although conifers are more favoured by reds, as it helps them in the competition for food with greys, there are general restrictions on removing broadleaves and replacing with conifers Therefore work to enhance the existing habitat is preferable to large scale changes in species composition. 

for red squirrels will have a lower likelihood of success in this type of woodland if grey squirrels are, or are likely to be, present. In the long term it cannot be guaranteed that red squirrels will be present, unless considerable effort is put into controlling greys and providing supplementary food to reds. Therefore long-term habitat management changes are less suitable in these woodland types.

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