Campaigners say statement is welcome, but it needs urgency and measurable delivery now.
Save Our Reds, a grassroots campaign calling for stronger protections for red squirrels and wildlife-rich woodland, has welcomed a new government policy statement on managing the impacts of grey squirrels in England – while warning that delivery, pace, and meaningful safeguards will be the real measure of success.
Published by Defra and the Forestry Commission, the Grey Squirrel Policy Statement outlines the actions government says it will take over the next five years to reduce the impact of grey squirrels on red squirrels, trees, and woodland habitats.
The statement includes several key commitments:
- Stronger expectations on land managers, including a requirement for those receiving public funds for grey squirrel impact reduction to demonstrate effective delivery.
- Expanded partnership working and landscape-scale coordination, including funding for project officers in Lancashire, Yorkshire and County Durham, with the long-term aim of establishing county-wide grey squirrel management groups.
- A more sustainable financial footing for the UK Squirrel Accord, ensuring long-term coordination and support.
The statement also recognises the central role of community groups and volunteers in protecting remaining red squirrel strongholds.
Campaign Response
Marie Carter-Robb, founder of Save Our Reds, said:
“Government is finally starting to listen. This policy statement is a welcome step forward, and it matters that it acknowledges both the scale of the problem and the role of volunteers on the ground. But a policy paper is not the same as protection.”
She continued:
“The question now is whether these commitments translate into measurable delivery in the woods, where red squirrel strongholds are still fragile, and where woodland quality and biodiversity must be protected as a matter of urgency.”
“We will support genuine progress, and we will work constructively with anyone acting in good faith. But we will also keep pressing until action goes far enough to safeguard the places where reds still have a fighting chance.”
The campaign is now urging members of the public to sign and share its petition calling for stronger, practical safeguards for red squirrel strongholds and better woodland stewardship.
📌 Resources & Links
Read the government policy statement
Download press pack (PDF + images)
Website: saveourreds.uk