When it comes to non-native species, there must come a tipping point when they can no longer be described as ‘alien’ or ‘invasive’. In many parts of the UK, grey squirrels are so common and well established that the fact that they are not meant to be here is hardly relevant any more. They’ve supplanted the red squirrels so effectively that the ‘Tufty’ of Beatrix Potter’s day has become the stranger and many people live their entire lives believing that squirrels are only grey.
Of course, we know that in areas where grey squirrels and red squirrels overlap, it’s useful to trap or shoot greys. The control of grey squirrels can play a significant role in the recovery
