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In Scotland the red squirrels protection under the WCA was strengthened by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 which introduced the concept of 'reckless' behaviour.  This means that if you know red squirrels are around and likely to be affected by your plans, but you take no action to assess or prevent this, you could be committing an offence.

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When are Red Squirrel Surveys Required?

Red Squirrel Surveys

Survey and monitoring is usually undertaken for red squirrel to determine:

  • The likely presence / absence of red and/or grey squirrels;

  • A relative measure of squirrel abundance or density that can be used to compare populations across different places;

  • Changes in relative abundance or density through time;

  • The likely impacts of a development on squirrel populations.

Surveys for red squirrel can be undertaken throughout the year however visual surveys should not be undertaken in bad weather; squirrels are unlikely to be very active in heavy rain, strong winds or when it is very cold. Binoculars can be used for surveys, but are not essential.

Survey Methodology

Direct Observation

In general the site will be walked slowly scanning at least 4m ahead and observation of any squirrel will be made. all sightings are marked on a map along with a grid reference and a description of the animals behavior at the time of the observation..

Drey counting

Drey counts are used to establish the presence of squirrels in a forest or woodland. Active dreys are a reliable indication of squirrel presence, and the density of dreys can give some idea of squirrel numbers. Dreys tend to be semi-permanent when squirrels are resident, and thus the number of dreys tends to reflect squirrel numbers over a season, a year or even longer.

Specialist surveys

Specialist surveys can be devised for a wide range of purposes including camera traps and hair tube surveys. Our specialists are always happy to discuss your requirements further.

 

 

Mitigation / Translocation

The presence of a red squirrel on a site is a material planning concern, and mitigation measures should be agreed to minimise the risk of the development resulting in the killing or injury of squirrels as part of the planning application process. Where possible squirrel habitats should be retained on site and reptile populations conserved in situ.  Where habitat retention and management is not practicable, mitigation measures can be developed to minimise harm to red squirrels.

 

Why Choose Ellendale Environmental?

Ellendale Environmental ecologists have extensive experience of surveying for red squirrel.

Our ecologists have experience is planning surveys, developing and undertaking mitigation for red squirrel on both large and small sites that ensure our clients are able to progress with their planning applications and developments.

Your development will be in safe hands with our experts at Ellendale Environmental who will work alongside you to ensure that your development is compliant with the law which will minimise disruption to your project. We are able to ensure this through extensive searches of the surrounding area being conducted for the presence of red squirrels. If red squirrels are present we work collectively to ensure the development process is not hindered whilst protecting the species through implementing appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.

 
 

The red squirrel is a protected species in the UK and is included in Schedules 5 and 6 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) (amended by the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000).

Legislation Protecting Red Squirrel

It is an offence to;

  • intentionally kill or injure a red squirrel or intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy any structure or place a red squirrel uses for shelter or protection

  • or disturb a red squirrel while it occupies such a place.

In Scotland the red squirrels protection under the WCA was strengthened by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 which introduced the concept of 'reckless' behaviour.  This means that if you know red squirrels are around and likely to be affected by your plans, but you take no action to assess or prevent this, you could be committing an offence.

The grey squirrel is regarded as an invasive non-native species following its inclusion under Schedule 9 of the WCA. Grey squirrels are also listed in the IUCN international list of 100 worst invasive non-native species. This highlights the damage that grey squirrels cause to our native flora and fauna; a problem severe enough to be recognised at a level of global significance. As such, the grey squirrel is regarded as a pest species and is afforded no protection under the WCA.  Under Schedule 9 of the WCA, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild, or allow one to escape. This means if you trap one, you are obliged to humanely dispatch it. You must not let it go as this act would be illegal.

Red Squirrel - Find Out More

The native red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris is the only native squirrel species in the UK and has declined dramatically during the last century. Its range is now limited to remnant populations in Northern England, a handful of islands off the south coast of England, scattered sites in Wales, and parts of Northern Ireland. The red squirrel still remains abundant in Scotland.

The main reason for its decline has been the spread of the introduced North American grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis.