New Chairman appointed for leading squirrel conservation charity
The European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) has appointed a new Chairman, George Farr. Mr Farr a landowner from Northumberland, took over as Chairman on the 5thJuly from Miles Barne the charities founder Chairman.
“I am delighted to have been appointed Chairman of ESI, it is a great privilege to be leading such a worthwhile and effective charity which is fighting for a cause so dear to my heart,” said Mr Farr.
ESI, which was founded in 2002 is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the red squirrel through the control of the invasive American grey squirrel.
“Much has been achieved under Miles Barnes Chairmanship; ESI is now a recognised force as a leading conservation charity. It is active not only here in the United Kingdom but also in Ireland and Italy where there are also grey squirrels present which damage the native red population,” added Mr Farr.
From its beginning in 2002 ESI has helped shaped government policy on the control of grey squirrels; it has also been active in developing the position of the European Commission on invasive alien species and been involved with the Italian authorities in developing a programme for grey control in Italy. ESI is also leading the co-ordination of work into developing Immunocontraception as method of non-lethal control of grey squirrels.
Part of ESI’s remit is to educate and inform the public and during the period since its creation surveys conducted by ESI have shown a significant increase in awareness of the threat caused by grey squirrels to the native red squirrel and a growing realisation that the control of greys is the most effective way of preserving and securing the future of the native red.
“This is a very exciting time for ESI and I am very much looking forward to my time as Chairman. There is a lot to be done in rolling back the grey tide but I am pleased to be leading the organisation that is spearheading that activity,” commented Mr Farr.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Issued on behalf of the European Squirrel Initiative by Kendalls.
For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022.
The European Squirrel Initiative was founded in June 2002 by a group of concerned conservationists and foresters. The organisation seeks the restoration of the native Red Squirrel and the protection of the natural environment by removing the impact of the alien Grey Squirrel in Europe.
Its role is to:Persuade conservation bodies and governments of the absolute necessity of ridding Europe of the Grey Squirrel. Continue to commission research into the impact of the Grey Squirrel on local ecosystems.
George Farr is a Northumberland landowner. He is married to Jane, has 4 children and has lived in the Borders region since 1994. He currently lives at Pallinsburn in the English Borders where Kyloe Woods Nurseries is also part of the estate. Established in 1970, the nursery specialises in the propagation of Leylandii trees. He is passionate about Countryside Management and has a keen interest in conservation issues. (A former FWAG Tye trophy winner). He is Chairman of the Northumberland Grey Partridge Group.
He is also heavily involved in the commemoration of the Flodden Battle Field and owns the farm which covers part of the battle field. The committee are busy organising the Commemoration of the Quincentenary of the Battle of Flodden in 2013.
As well as this, he attempts to fit in fishing and cricket.
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