Find out the truth about grey squirrels

It is humans, and not grey squirrels, who have been largely responsible for the decline of the red squirrel. In the 18th and 19th centuries, red squirrels were viewed as ‘pests’ and killed in their thousands. A series of harsh winters and disease epidemics further depleted red squirrel populations throughout the country. As stated in a report from Bristol University, there is little evidence to support the view that killing grey squirrels is the best way of conserving red ones.

Persecuting and killing animals can never be justified. There are many ways to deter unwelcome animals without harming them, and we produce advice sheets with details of how to do this.