WOODLAND WANDERING
WHY WE SHOOT
• Songbirds, red squirrels and dormice are more likely to thrive when competition from grey squirrels is eliminated
• Grey squirrels are extremely damaging to trees, so controlling their numbers is beneficial to woodland habitat
• Squirrel control helps the forestry industry, which loses out on millions of pounds every year as a result of their damage
• Spending time in the woods keeping grey squirrels in check is a great way to relax and watch wildlife
THE QUARRY
GREY SQUIRREL
Sciurus carolinensis
PEST STATUS: This invasive rodent damages trees, contributes to the decline of red squirrels, and preys on the eggs and chicks of songbirds.
HABITAT: Squirrels spend much of their time in the trees, although they will also forage on the ground.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Grey squirrel meat is surprisingly good to eat. Fishermen also use their tail fibres to tie fly-hooks.
The permission I am out on today is a mixed woodland managed for forestry, conservation and pheasant shooting. My role is to control greys, which are detrimental to those interests through
