Welcome - with reservation - for Government Forestry Report

The report published by the Independent Panel on Forestry into the future of England’s forest and woodlands, published last week has been welcomed by a leading wildlife charity, The European Squirrel Initiative.

“We welcome the recognition the panel has given to the importance of England’s woods and forests and the value of wood as a raw material, however, hand in hand with this recognition has to go an effective control programme of woodland pests in particular the grey squirrel,” said George Farr Chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative.

The report, which calls for the benefits of England’s woods and forests to be revalued for all the services that they provide, identifies the advantages they bring not only for recreation but also clean air, clean water, habitat and wildlife, locking up carbon – even helping in flood reduction.

“Importantly the report recognises that England’s woodlands are the largest timber producer as well as being a valuable habitat for wildlife, however both these elements are under threat unless proper grey squirrel control takes place in the public forest estate,” added Mr Farr.

The American Grey Squirrel causes damage estimated at £14 million per annum in the UK and more importantly has a devastating long term effect on our trees. Figures published by the European Commission estimate that invasive alien species cause £1.8 billion worth of damage each year and in recognition of this the Commission will shortly be bringing forward legislative proposals to deal with the problem of invasive species.

“If we are to have a publically owned forest which is truly sustainable and which achieves the aspirations identified by the Independent Panel on Forestry then the problem of grey squirrels must be treated seriously,” added Mr Farr.

“This is a welcome report but if the aspirations of the panel are to be met and the Public Forest Estate is to remain in public ownership then the Government and its advisors must ensure that it is properly managed for future generations, which includes proper control of grey squirrels,” he said.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Andrew Kendall, telephone 01394 610022. 

Notes to editors

The European Squirrel Initiative was founded 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.

www.europeansquirrelinitiative.org

Issued on behalf of the European Squirrel Initiative by Kendalls.

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