Forestry Commission Scotland has received strong support for the concept of establishing a series of red squirrel strongholds across Scotland.

In its response to a consultation earlier this year, the Commission has today signalled that it will lead the work to plan and manage 18 stronghold sites that will help safeguard the country’s surviving red squirrel population.

A stakeholder group will be formed early in 2010 to take the plans forward and to develop guidance for land managers. The guidance will help in the management of stronghold areas in balance with other objectives, including increasing wider wildlife benefits from woodlands.

Welcoming the findings, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Red squirrels are an important and high-profile part of Scotland’s biodiversity so it is crucial that we do what we can to safeguard their long-term survival.”

“It is not enough to simply control grey squirrels. We also need to ensure that we protect and manage those habitats that allow red squirrels to thrive but which are unappealing for greys.”

“The backing and support of landowners means that we can now take forward plans that will ensure the success of this long term conservation opportunity.”

Supplementing and complementing work to control the spread of greys and the squirrel pox virus they carry, the strongholds will be developed by Forestry Commission Scotland in association with landowners and managers, Scottish Natural Heritage and other parts of the Scottish Government.

Ron McDonald, Head of Policy and Advice for SNH said:

“Grey squirrels have already displaced red squirrels from most of England and Wales, as well as Scotland’s central belt. Fortunately, much of the north of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway are still grey-free. But with sightings of greys becoming more frequent even in some of these areas, it's essential that we act quickly to protect red squirrels and prevent the greys’ further migration.”

“Developing red squirrel strongholds is part of a larger strategy in Scotland, alongside the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project, and will, we believe, play an important part in making sure red squirrels flourish in Scotland. We were very pleased to see the support for these proposals, as these strongholds will no doubt play an important part in making sure red squirrels flourish in Scotland.”

With each site being at least 2000 hectares in size, around 100,000 ha of the best forest sites in Scotland will be managed as refuges for red squirrels, focusing on ensuring food supplies for reds (from cone bearing conifers) and restricting food sources preferred by greys (large seeded broadleaves).

FCS will work with landowners and local communities, aiming to finalise stronghold maps and develop suitable management plans in all the 18 locations proposed in the consultation: Ordiequish/Whiteash/Ben Aigan, Eredine, Culbin Forest, Inverliever, Kilmichael, Glentochty, Black Isle, South Rannoch, Glen Glass, Fleet Basin, Morangie Forest, Daviot Loch Moy, Inshriach and Glenfeshie, Leanachan, Balmoral to Inver, Eskdalemuir, Glenbranter, Abernethy, Nethy Bridge.

The Commission’s response and findings to the consultation will help set out the Scottish Government’s approach to red squirrel conservation, which is to be produced jointly with Scottish Natural Heritage.

For further information on the development of stronghold sites and the full response by Forestry Commission Scotland to the consultation, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/strongholdsconsultation

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