Are grey squirrels nibbling your cricket bat willow profits?
Grey squirrels, an invasive species in the UK, are a significant concern for landowners and conservationists alike. Their presence is not just an ecological challenge but also an economic one, causing an estimated £37 million in damage every year.
Damage to young trees
From the perspective of an English cricket bat willow grower, one of the most concerning behaviours of these non-native rodents is the stripping of bark from young trees, particularly those aged between three and five years. This action is predominantly carried out by young male squirrels and can prevent the flow of water and food around the tree, stressing and weakening it, and sometimes leading to the tree dying prematurely.
The impact extends beyond tree loss – it damages local ecosystems, impacts timber yields, and increases maintenance costs. It’s important to routinely inspect trees for signs of damage, which typically occurs in spring – from February onwards.
Pest control: a necessary measure
Balanced and sustainable management of grey squirrels is key to limiting the destructive and damaging effects of these resilient creatures. Landowners and forestry managers need to strike the right balance between effective pest control and conservation of growing willow tree stock.
There are no specific laws or regulations governing grey squirrel control, the responsibility for controlling grey squirrel populations falls to landowners. Pest control and culling is recognised as a necessary measure to mitigate tree damage and preserve healthy growing environments and native wildlife. However, pest control must be performed and managed responsibly to ensure effective and humane results.
Guidelines for grey squirrel control
Trapping is regarded as a legally acceptable and most effective way to control grey squirrels in most situations. They can be trapped at any time of the year, although March through September is preferred due to a shortage of food. The British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) provides the following guidelines for grey squirrel control.
For those considering trapping, cage traps are often favoured as a humane method. Effective baits can include nuts, seeds, or even peanut butter, strategically placed in areas where squirrel damage is noticeable. Regular monitoring of traps is crucial, both for effectiveness and animal welfare. While other control methods exist, such as shooting or deterrents, trapping is generally regarded as the most practical and legally straightforward approach for landowners seeking to protect willow trees from grey squirrel damage.
Important: protect native red squirrels
It is important to note, however, native red squirrels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, capture, disturb them or damage their habitat.
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