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Summary

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Since their introduction into Britain between 1876 and the 1920’s, grey squirrels have spread rapidly, gradually displacing the native red squirrel through a combination of competition for food and transmission of the squirrel pox virus. Grey squirrels now occur in most of England and Wales, and in central and south-east Scotland.

Stripped bark of tree

 

 

Grey squirrels are extremely destructive in woodlands, stripping bark from the main stem and branches of trees. Typically beech and sycamore trees are most severely damaged, however serious damage can occur on a wide range of tree species, including oak, birch, larch, pines and Norway spruce. Bark wounds can result in deformation, stain and decay of the timber and serious wounds can kill the tree. Squirrel damage has now become a serious disincentive to landowners trying to establish new woodland.

 

 

 

 


Bark stripping damage to trees by grey squirrels

Impact

Bark stripping damage reduces timber quality through staining (due to fungal infection) and structural defects and ultimately reduces timber value and yield. Weakened stems may break and trees that are ring-barked will die from that point up.

Damage varies across sites and between years and is difficult to predict. Thin barked species such as sycamore, beech, oak, sweet chestnut, pine, larch and Norway spruce are most at risk with trees aged between 10 and 40 years being most vulnerable.

Examples

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Grey squirrel damage to 18-year old planted oak in a farm woodland planting scheme
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Fresh grey squirrel basal damage to beech (bark strips visible)
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Wind snap to 40-year old Norway spruce following grey squirrel bark-stripping damage
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Grey squirrel bark-stripping to main stem of sycamore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for grey squirrel control

This list is not exhaustive and does not reflect a recommendation from us for a particular supplier or product.

Manufacturer or supplier Trap types Other equipment
Cage Spring
Albion Manufacturing
The Granary
Silfield Road
Wymondham
Norfolk, NR18 9AU
Tel: 01953 605983
Fax: 01953 606764
sales@albionmanufacturing.com
www.albionmanufacturing.com/
  • Multi-capture
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
  • Mink/squirrel double-entry single capture
Hopper labels
Barrettine Environmental Health
St Ivel Way
Warmley
Bristol, BS30 8TY
Tel: 0117 967 2222
Fax: 0117 961 4122
sales@barrettine.co.uk
www.barrettine.co.uk/
  • Multi-capture (small)
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
  • Fenn trap Mk.4
  • Magnum 110
  • Magnum trap tunnel (for spring trap)
Hopper labels
Gamekeepa Feeds & Supplies Ltd
Gamekeepa Feeds & Supplies Ltd
Raddle lane
Edingale
Tamworth
Staffordshire B79 9JR
Tel: +44(0)1827 383993
Fax: +44(0)1827 382810
Mob: +44(0)7836512446
ian.garland@gamekeepafeeds.co.uk
www.gamekeepafeeds.co.uk
  • Multi-capture (Large & small)
  • Legg single capture
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
  • Springer No. 4.
  • Magnum 110
  • Magnum trap tunnel (for spring trap)
Drey-poking poles
Janus Contract Services Ltd
Mounts Farm
Shalford Road
Rayne
Braintree
Essex, CM7 5XA
Tel: 01376 342111
sales@januslimited.co.uk
www.januslimited.co.uk
  • Multi-capture (small) Mink/squirrel single capture
Fenn trap Mk.4
  • Drey-poking poles
  • Hopper labels
John Dee Humane Traps
Unit 4 Russett Cottage
Greendale Barton
Woodbury Salterton
Exeter, EX5 1EW
Tel: 01395 233340
Fax: 01395 233548
Mink/squirrel single capture Fenn trap Mk.4
Killgerm Chemicals Ltd
PO Box 2
Ossett
West Yorkshire WF5 9NATel 01924 268400
Fax 01924 264757
sales@killgerm.com
www.killgerm.co.uk/
Training information tel: 01924 268445
  • Multi-capture (small)
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
  • Mink/squirrel double entry single capture
  • Fenn trap Mk.4
  • Magnum 110
  • Magnum trap tunnel (for spring trap)
Network Pest Control Systems Ltd
1030 Centre Park
Slutchers Lane
Warrington
Cheshire WA1 1QR
Tel: 01925 411823
Fax: 01925 414994
Info@network-pest.co.uk
www.network-pest.co.uk/
  • Multi-capture
  • Legg single capture
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
  • Mink/squirrel single capture (flat-pack version)
Springer No. 4
Rhemo Products Ltd
Unit 26
Wick 2 Industrial Estate, Gore Road
New Milton
Hants BH25 6TJ rhemoproducts@newmilton.wanadoo.co.uk
  • Multi-capture
  • Mink/squirrel single capture
Magnum trap tunnel (for spring trap)
Silver Service
6 Newlyn Road
Cradley Heath
West Midlands B64 6BE
Tel: 08452 414017
Fax: 01384 410701
david.collins@cateringforcreatives.co.uk
www.cateringforcreatures.co.uk/
  • Multi-capture (small)
  • Rat/squirrel
Camlab Limited
Norman Way
Over
Cambridge, CB4 5WE
Tel: 01954 233110
Fax:1954 233101
sales@camlab.co.uk
www.camlab.co.uk/
Electronic pocket balance: Tanita model No. 1475
Part number: ME/6602-3071

Grey squirrel publications

Forestry Commission publications

Gill, R., Ferryman, M., Shuttleworth, C. Lurz, P., Mill, A., Robertson, P. and Dutton, C. (2019) Controlling Grey squirrels. UK Forestry Standard Technical Note 022.

Bryce, J., Cartmel, S. and Quine, C. P. (2005). Habitat use by red and grey squirrels: results of two recent studies and implications for management (PDF-546K) . Forestry Commission Information Note 76. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Mayle, B. A. (2004) Grey squirrel management in woodlands, in Managing woodlands and their mammals (Quine, C., Shore, R. & Trout, R., Eds.): proceedings of a symposium organised jointly by the Mammal Society and the Forestry Commission, 45-49, Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Gurnell, J., Lurz, P.W.W., Pepper, H. (2001) Practical techniques for surveying and monitoring squirrels (PDF-3830K) , Forestry Commission Practice Note 11, Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Pepper, H., Bryce, J., Cartmel, S. (2001), Squirrel management: 2. Co-existence of red squirrels and grey squirrels, in Forest Research Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Pepper, H., Moore, H. (2001) Squirrel management: 1. Development of a contraceptive vaccine for the grey squirrel, in Forest Research Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Pepper, H., Patterson, G. (2001) Red squirrel conservation (PDF-250K) , Forestry Commission Practice Note 5 (revised). Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Pepper, H. (1998) Nearest neighbour method for quantifying wildlife damage to trees in woodland (PDF-139K) , Forestry Commission Practice Note 1. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Other publications

Gill, R., Massei, G., Pinkham, R., Beatham, S., Whitelaw, B., McNicol, C. (2021) Grey Squirrel Control Research – what new approaches may we anticipate for the future? Quarterly Journal of Forestry, Jan 2022

McNicol, C., Bavin, D., Goodwin, C. Silk, M., Macpherson, J., Gill, R., Ferryman, M., Bearhop, S., McDonald, R. (2019) Translocated native pine martens Martes martes affect space use by invasive non-native grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis. J. Applied Ecology. 57(5) DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13598

McNicol, C.M., Bavin, D., Bearhop, S., Bridges, J., Croose, L., Gill, R., Goodwin, C., Lewis, J., Macpherson, J., Padfield, D., Schofield, H., Silk, M., Tomlinson, A., & McDonald, R. (2020) Post-release movement and habitat selection of translocated pine martens Martes martes  Ecology and Evolution DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6265

Shuttleworth, C. and Gill, R. (2019) Red squirrel bark-stripping of hornbeam in North Wales. Quarterly Journal of Forestry.

Inward, D., Reed, K., Gill, R. (2019) Chapter 3. Pest threats to UK Oak health. In: Quine, C.P., Atkinson, N., Denman, S., Desprez-Loustau, M-L., Jackson, R., Kirby, K. (eds) 2019. Action Oak Knowledge review: an assessment of the current evidence on oak health in the UK, identification of evidence gaps and prioritisation of research needs. Action Oak and Forest Research, Farnham, UK

Shuttleworth, C., Bertolino, S.,Gill, R., Gurnell, J., Hayward, M.,Kenward, R., Lawton, C., Lurz, P., McInnes, C., Mill, A., Trotter, S., Wauters, L. (2019) Releasing Grey Squirrels into the wild. Vet. Record. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.l1270.

Stringer AP, MacPherson J, Carter S, Gill R, Ambrose-Oji B, Wilson R, Kelsall P, Feirn WG, Galbraith LC, Hilário CM, Parry G & Taylor A. (2018)  The feasibility of reintroducing pine martens (Martes martes) to the Forest of Dean and lower Wye Valley.  Gloucester Wildlife Trust, May 2018. 107 pages.

Dunn, M., Marzano, M. Forster, J., Gill R.M.A. (2018) Public attitudes towards “pest” management: perceptions on squirrel management strategies in the UK.. Biological Conservation 222, 52-63.

Nichols, C.P.,  N. G. Gregory, N. Goode,  R. M. A. Gill,  J. A. Drewe. (2018) Regulation of bone mineral density in the grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis: Bioavailability of calcium oxalate, and implications for bark stripping. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2018;102:330–336.   https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12740

Nichols, C.P., Gregory, N.G., Goode, N., Gill, R.M.A., and Drewe, J.A.(2017) Can the grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, utilise calcium oxalate? – Implications for bark stripping behaviour Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12740

Nichols, C.P. and Gill, R.M.A. (2016) Bark stripping behaviour by the grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. Chapter 19 in: Shuttleworth, C. and Gurnell, J. (Eds) The Grey Squirrel. The European Squirrel Initiative.532p

Nichols, C.P., Gill, R.M.A., Drewe, J.A. Goode, N. Gregory, N. (2016) A novel causal mechanism for grey squirrel bark stripping: The Calcium hypothesis. Forest Ecology and Management. 367 12-20.

Mayle, B., Ferryman, M., Peace, A., Yoder, C., Miller, L., Cowan, D., (2013) The use of DiazaCon™ to limit fertility by reducing serum cholesterol in female grey squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis. Pest Management Science 69, 414-424.

Mayle, B.A. and Broome, A. (2013) Changes in the impact and control of an invasive alien, the grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis, as determined from regional surveys. Pest Management Science, 69, 323-333.

Willoughby, I., Jinks, R.L., Morgan, G.M., Pepper, H., Budd, J. and Mayle, B.M. (2011). The use of repellents to reduce predation of tree seed by wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) and grey squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) . European Journal of Forest Research. 130, 4, 601-611.

Yoder, C. A., Mayle, B.A., Furculow, C.A., Cowan, D,P. & Fagerstone, K.A. (2011). Feeding of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) with the contraceptive agent DiazaCon: effect on cholesterol, hematology, and blood chemistry. Integrative Zoology 6: 409-419.

Mayle, B. A., Proudfoot, J., Poole, J. (2009). Influence of tree size and dominance on incidence of bark stripping by grey squirrels to oak and impact on tree growth. Forestry 2009,82,4, 431-444. Full text , PDF (201K)

Ferryman, M., Mayle, B. A. and Morgan, G. W. (2006). Visual method for evaluating the state of sexual development in male grey squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis). Reproduction, Fertility and Development 18, 383-393.

Mayle, B. A. (2005). Britain’s woodlands under threat; Grey squirrels and the risk they pose to European woodlands. Trees, Journal of the International Tree Foundation. 65 9-11.

Pepper, H.W., G. Kerr (2005). Preliminary studies on collars to protect trees from grey squirrel bark-stripping damage. Quarterly Journal of Forestry 99(2): 105-112.

Gurnell, J., Lurz, P.W.W., Shirley, M.D.F., Cartmel, S., Garson, P.J., Magris, L., Steele, J. (2004) Monitoring red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) and grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Britain (PDF-347K) , Mammal Review. 34, 51-74.

Hewson, C., Fuller, R., Mayle, B., Smith, K. (2004) Possible impacts of grey squirrels on birds and other wildlife. British Wildlife 15, 183-191.

Mayle, B., Gurnell, J. (2004) Squirrel control in conifers, Forestry and British Timber, April 2004, 16-19.

Gurnell, J., Mayle, B.A. (2003) Ecological impacts of the alien grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Britain, conference proceedings: MammAliens – a one day conference on the problems caused by non-native British mammals, 40-45, Mammals Trust UK.

Research objectives

The overall aims of this research programme include:

  • Investigating the impact of grey squirrels on woodlands and the reasons for bark stripping behaviour
  • Supporting the development of novel control strategies
  • Promoting and supporting best practice management for the control of grey squirrels and their impacts

Specific objectives included:

  • Investigating the motives for bark stripping behaviour and the factors affecting selection for particular trees. This is a collaborative project with Southampton University: https://www.forestprotection.uk/project/2213_squirrel/
  • Investigate the impact of pine martens on numbers and behaviour of grey squirrels
  • Develop novel approaches for monitoring squirrel populations and their impact
  • Support the development of novel methods of population control including new trapping methods, contraception, gene editing and natural predation
  • Investigating alternative methods of damage limitation such as stand management
  • Support evidence based policy development at national and regional levels
  • Provide practical advice to the forest industry and the general public to  promote best practice

Links to further information

Grey squirrel publications

Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for grey squirrel control

Research on contraception for grey squirrel control:

UK Squirrel Accord

Red Squirrel conservation:

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels | Scottish Wildlife Trust

Where to find red squirrels – Red Squirrel Survival Trust (rsst.org.uk)

 

Authors
Forestry Staff RobinGill.034a0af4.fill 600x600 1
Robin Gill

Vertebrate Ecologist