The law and controlling grey squirrels

Red squirrel conservation 

The red squirrel is a protected species in the UK and is included in the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) (amended by the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000). It is an offence to intentionally kill or injure a red squirrel or intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place a red squirrel uses for shelter or protection, or disturb a red squirrel while it occupies such a place. 

The UK Red Squirrel Group advice notes Squirrels and the Law provides advice on specific issues including planning, felling, reds in captivity, release and reintroduction and grey squirrels.

Controlling grey squirrels

The grey squirrel is regarded as an invasive non-native species and has no protection under the WCA. They are listed in the IUCN international list of 100 worst invasive non-native species, which highlights the damage that grey squirrels cause to our native flora and fauna; a problem severe enough to be recognised at a level of global significance. It is also illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild, or allow one to escape. Save our Squirrels advocates humane grey control, targeted in areas where it will directly benefit red squirrel populations. For more information download the grey control best practice guidelines.

Keep us informed 

It is very important that we know where grey control is happening, and where the threat of grey squirrels remains. If you are controlling grey squirrels by using grey squirrel traps for example, please use the grey control recording form to keep us informed. Please read the risk assessment for grey control and make sure you have fully considered it's contents. For details of suppliers of grey squirrel traps and equipment please visit the research and links section.

Where grey squirrels are being killed, taking a blood sample helps us identify the risk of the virus emerging in new areas. Blood sample kits are provided free of charge. Please contact an SOS Conservation Officer to see if samples are required from your area.

Help available

Save our Squirrels employ a Grey Squirrel Control Officer (GSCO) to work primarily in the north of Cumbria. The GSCO provides practical assistance with grey control, operates a grey squirrel trap loan scheme, and can provide full training and advice. Private land owners in the north Cumbria area are urged to get in touch with the conservation officer to discuss the issue of grey control.

The Save our Squirrels trap loan scheme is available in several other areas in Cumbria and Northumberland such as the North Tyne corridor. The grey squirrel trap loan scheme is targeted to areas where grey squirrels pose a specific threat to the red squirrel reserves, and areas where infected grey squirrels risk carrying squirrelpox virus into Scotland. If you are interested in taking advantage of the trap loan scheme please contact an SOS Conservation Officer.

Local voluntary groups

There are many volunteer groups throughout Cumbria and Northumberland that play an active and vital role in grey control at a local level. These groups can provide assistance with grey control such as training and provision of traps. Northern Red Squirrels (NRS) is an umbrella organisation representing the volunteer section. For information or to find a local contact in your area visit the Norther Red Squirrels website.