MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL ACTION PLAN A five year plan to consolidate the existing red squirrel populations by maximising the potential habitat area within the Mid Wales forest region and protecting the population from grey squirrels. 2009‐2014
Author: Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
CONTENTS
Page number
Executive Summary...... 2
Background...... 3
Mid Wales Red Squirrel Conservation Action Plan...... 4
Appendices
Appendix 1: Summary table of Key Priority Actions for conservation of red squirrels in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site...... 10
Appendix 2: Summary table of Proposed Budget Outline for carrying out key priority actions...... 16
Appendix 3: Justification for the boundary of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site……………………………………………………………………………...... ………….….17
Appendix 4: Boundary maps for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site...... 21
Appendix 5: Grey squirrel control proposal for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site...... 24
Appendix 6: Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales ...... 28
2
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The information gathered so far by the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership principally from live trapping surveys and sighting records has shown that the population of red squirrels in Mid Wales occurs at widely distributed locations within the boundary identified by the Partnership.
• The extensive area involved and the difficult terrain makes surveying for red squirrels very difficult and unless significant funding is available it is not going to be possible to gain an accurate picture of population size in the short term.
• It is believed that because of the relatively inhospitable habitat which the upland conifer plantations provide, red squirrels are likely to occur in relatively low densities in Mid Wales (adding to the difficulties of proving population size/extent) but the population is sustainable because of the extensive area of forestry available ‐ the combination of the size, structure and species composition of the forest has provided a habitat that has enabled red squirrels to persist and with suitable management will allow this to continue into the future. It is vital therefore that the boundary of the Mid Wales Focal Site is inclusive of the extensive areas of forestry (together with a buffer zone for grey squirrel control ‐ see below).
• The current urgency in Mid Wales is because much of this forestry has now come to maturity and has already been felled or is planned to be felled over the next few years.
• The key priorities out of the conservation actions identified currently in Mid Wales are forest management for red squirrels and grey squirrel control
• Other issues to be addressed will include further survey and monitoring of both red and grey squirrels, education and public awareness.
• A Mid Wales Red Squirrel Management Plan is needed at the landscape scale to draw together the priorities outlined above, to include both private and state‐ owned forestry areas. It would need to be agreed by all landowners.
• We would envisage the production of such a document to be a collaborative exercise between FCW, Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the other partners in the MWRSP
• It should be noted that the detail of the Action Plan & how it will be implemented will need to evolve as more information is gathered.
3
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
BACKGROUND
• In July 2009 the Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing and the Minister for Rural Affairs both approved the Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales (prepared by the Wales Squirrel Forum (WSF)). This will provide a framework for the conservation and recovery of the red squirrel in Wales and replaces the 1999 Wales Red Squirrel Strategy (Warren & Matthews (1994)1).
• Both Ministers have also approved three focal sites for red squirrel action in Wales ‐ Anglesey, Clocaenog and Mid Wales and have agreed that urgent strategic action be taken in these three areas, although the exact scale of the focal site in Mid Wales has yet to be agreed. Unlike the Anglesey and Clocaenog focal sites which consist of discrete areas of relatively well surveyed forestry supporting the red squirrels, in Mid Wales the forestry potentially supporting red squirrels is extensive, covering an area straddling the county borders of Powys, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.
• In taking forward the Ministerial announcement, Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) has requested that the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership (MWRSP) submits information outlining the key priorities for conserving the red squirrel population in Mid Wales. This Action Plan has been produced to complement the approved Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales and to inform specifically the strategic actions required to conserve red squirrels within Mid Wales. The key priorities of the Action Plan are highlighted in the Executive Summary above and outlined in more detail in the supporting Appendices:
1 Warren R, Matthews, J.. (1999) The Wales Red Squirrel Strategy. CCW Natural Science Report 99/9/2.
4
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
MID WALES RED SQUIRREL CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN
The following action headings are taken from the Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales (Wales Squirrel Forum 2009) (see Appendix 6) with the text and actions adapted to reflect the situation in Mid Wales. A summary table of actions has been drawn up in Appendix 1 to highlight the key priorities
1. IDENTIFY AND MONITOR POPULATIONS OF RED SQUIRRELS
The size and distribution of the Mid Wales population cannot be assessed adequately from the current available data. Obtaining additional good‐quality population data is desirable in order to inform management strategies, to obtain an initial population estimate and to monitor progress. A vital part of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership work therefore, has been to begin a strategic live‐trapping programme of red squirrel surveys aimed at providing sound baseline data to inform planning and decision making.
However, because of the difficulties in surveying for red squirrels in such a large area (and based on the results of surveys done so far) until sufficient population data is obtained to prove otherwise, there should be an assumption that red squirrels are distributed throughout the Mid Wales forests (See Appendix 2: Justification for the boundary of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site, and Appendix 3: Boundary Maps for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site). This is consistent with the objective of establishing a sustainable red squirrel population within all suitable habitat rather than being simply the adoption of a ‘precautionary’ approach. This also mirrors the approach adopted to conserve red squirrels in the Clocaenog forest area. The assumption that red squirrels are indeed widely distributed in these Mid Wales forests is supported by surveys, live‐trapping, and sightings records. Live trapping in particular, has provided records from locations widely distributed across the chosen core area of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site, including a record of a breeding female (Hobbs (2005)1) Population studies of red squirrels in other areas of Britain also support the adoption of a ‘whole forest’ approach. (Lurz et al. (2000)2)
See the revised Forestry Commission Practice note 011 ‘Practical Techniques for Surveying and Monitoring Squirrels’ (Gurnell et al., (2009)3).
1 Hobbs, A (2005) Assessment of the status of the red squirrel in Central Wales. CCW SCF Report: 05/02/07
2 Lurz et al. (2000) Effects of temporal and spatial variations in food supply on the space and habitat use of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris L.). J. Zool., Lond. 251, 167-178
3 Gurnell, J, Lurz, P., Pepper, H. (2009) Practical techniques for surveying and monitoring squirrels. Forestry Commission Practice Note 011.
5
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
ACTION 1.1: Identify a practical survey and monitoring methodology for red squirrels in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 1.2: Implement the survey and monitoring identified in Action 1.1
ACTION 1.3: Survey all other sites with records of red squirrels in the last 10 years and assess these sites against the focal site assessment criteria as appropriate
ACTION 1.4: All red and grey squirrel data to be sent regularly to both Local Records Centres (WWBIC and BIS) for collation and data sharing. The Record Centres to produce up to date distribution maps every year.
2. PROTECT RED SQUIRREL POPULATIONS
A. HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Implementation of appropriate habitat management (in both the short and long term) is essential for sustaining viable red squirrel populations. The first priority is to identify key habitat areas for red squirrels together with arboreal connective corridors throughout the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site. The key habitat and connective corridors network needs to be maintained at all times. It would not necessarily be static and may move over time as the forest matures. The network needs to include both private and public sector woodland areas. Much of the work needed to identify the interconnected network of key habitat areas should already exist in Forest Design Plans (FDP) but there will be a need for ground truthing as well as desk study because the FDP stock maps are not detailed enough to pick up pockets of good red squirrel habitat for example within a mixed stand or to adequately identify canopy connectivity.
Habitat management must also incorporate measures to reduce incursion by grey squirrels, e.g. avoiding planting or retention of large‐seeded broadleaves near the buffer zone.
The principles for managing forests for red squirrels identified for the Welsh mainland in the Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales (prepared by Wales Squirrel Forum, 2009) (section 4.2) should be followed – see Appendix 6
B. GREY SQUIRREL CONTROL
The long‐term conservation of viable red squirrel populations will also be dependent upon the successful control of grey squirrel numbers within the core Focal Site and buffer zone. Careful planning and targeting of resources will be required to achieve maximum impact on grey squirrel numbers in such a large forest area. This will require a co‐ordinated effort to bring private landowners into the schemes.
A grey squirrel control proposal has been drawn up and is included in Appendix 4 with suggested costings set out in Appendix 3
6
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
A Mid Wales Red Squirrel Management Plan encompassing both habitat management and grey squirrel control will be the most effective way of conserving red squirrel populations within the Mid Wales forests.
ACTION 2.1: Identify key habitat areas for red squirrels together with arboreal connective corridors and ensure integration into current and future Forest Design Plans throughout the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 2.2: Produce and implement grey squirrel control strategies for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 2.3: Identify and implement a practical survey and monitoring methodology for grey squirrels in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 2.4: Produce and implement a Mid Wales Red Squirrel Management Plan for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site to include the above actions
3. POLICY ADVOCACY
The development of all policies affecting red squirrel habitat should consider the potential impact on resident and/or adjacent red and grey squirrel populations. Sufficient measures to safeguard red squirrel populations should be incorporated wherever possible. Constructive input into the consultation stages of relevant policies and specific land use plans will be an important means of securing long‐term favourable habitat management.
ACTION 3.1: Continue to attend Wales Squirrel Forum meetings to ensure that conservation of the Mid Wales red squirrel populations is included where appropriate in the Forum’s consultation responses and recommendations.
ACTION 3.2: Collaborate with the Wales BAP Woodland Ecosystem Group and Species Expert Group to ensure that red squirrel conservation is included in the Groups’ respective consultation responses and recommendations.
ACTION 3.3: Secure habitat improvements where required in Forest Design Plans produced by the Forestry Commission and private landowners, including plans produced through Better Woodlands for Wales and all future equivalent schemes.
4. DISEASE CONTROL
7
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Squirrelpox virus (SQPV) is a fatal infectious disease in red squirrels. The virus is carried by grey squirrels, often asymptomatically. The disease is not usually fatal to grey squirrels but 100% mortality is typical amongst infected red squirrels. The incidence of disease in red squirrels appears to be related to the level of grey squirrel presence in an area, although the precise transmission method(s) remains unclear at present. Seropositive results have been obtained from a large proportion of trapped grey squirrels in several of the Mid Wales forests, which means that the red squirrel population may be at significant risk from SQPV.
ACTION 4.1: Monitor incidence of squirrelpox virus in grey squirrels using blood sample results obtained from trapped grey squirrels.
ACTION 4.2: Implement biosecurity measures to minimise the risk of disease transmission from activities such as trapping and supplementary feeding.
ACTION 4.3: Agree a squirrelpox virus action plan to ensure rapid action in the event of SQPV outbreak in red squirrels.
5. ADVISORY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
The support of local communities has proved beneficial to red squirrel conservation projects elsewhere in the UK. Community or ‘Friends of…’ groups provide local support and backing for the project additional volunteers to undertake surveying, grey squirrel control and awareness raising, thus increasing the overall success of the project. Establishment of an effective, cohesive ‘Friends Group’ for the Mid Wales Red Squirrels Partnership is limited by the low human population density in the area. However, exploring the potential for establishing a local community group to support the project would be worthwhile, although a community liaison officer may be needed for this. As a minimum, there should be provision of public information in the form of leaflets, newsletters, etc. which can be distributed to landowners and foresters and made available to the public via a range of outlets. An interactive and informative Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership website has already been set up, which is helping to increase the profile of the project within the local population. This includes the ability to input red squirrel sightings online.
ACTION 5.1: Share good practice and establish good communications with other red squirrel projects
ACTION 5.2: Provide red squirrel conservation advice to all woodland owners, managers, foresters, local authorities and other appropriate bodies
ACTION 5.3: Establish a red squirrel community/volunteer group
ACTION 5.4: Promote public understanding about the red squirrel and its conservation in Mid Wales
8
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
ACTION 5.5: Update and enhance as appropriate the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership website pages and ensure links to all relevant Partner organisations’ websites
6. RESEARCH
Genetic analysis of the Mid Wales red squirrel population indicates that the population is an important reservoir of genetic diversity. The presence of haplotypes unique to Mid Wales and a higher level of genetic diversity than previously recorded elsewhere in Wales, means that the Mid Wales population is of considerable importance to Wales red squirrel conservation as a whole. Predicted climate change scenarios may have significant impacts on red squirrel populations, e.g. through changes in the timing and levels of seed production or by facilitating the spread of grey squirrels. Potential impacts need to be assessed in order to adapt habitat management and grey squirrel control most effectively. Data from population surveys and disease monitoring should also be used to improve our understanding of red squirrel ecology as well as inform local conservation management practices.
ACTION 6.1: Collect hair samples from trapped red squirrels for further genetic analysis
ACTION 6.2: Work with the Wales Squirrel Forum on the review and assessment of the potential impact of climate change on red squirrel conservation in Wales
ACTION 6.3: Provide opportunities for a range of red and grey squirrel research projects.
ACTION 6.4 Disseminate research and survey findings in order to enhance the understanding of red squirrel ecology
9
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Summary table of Key Priority Actions for conservation of red squirrels in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
The following actions have been taken from the Action Plan written by members of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership in October 2009. The key priorities appear at the top of the table and are identified by the suggested timescale of ‘by the end of Year 1’ . It is envisaged that these actions will form the basis of a Red Squirrel Management Plan . The term ‘Project Manager has been used but there needs to be flexibility of delivery and further discussion on the various options – because of the wide range of expertise required it may for example be more effective to contract out different elements of the project rather than employ one a singular officer.
ACTION DELIVERY TIMESCALE FUTURE WORK/COMMENTS
1. IDENTIFY AND MONITOR POPULATIONS OF RED SQUIRRELS
ACTION 1.1: Identify a Project Manager in By end of Year Review regularly and practical survey and collaboration with FCW 1 update as necessary monitoring and MWRSP methodology for red squirrels in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 1.2: Project Manager in Ongoing Although monitoring Implement the survey collaboration with FCW is desirable, habitat and monitoring and MWRSP management and grey identified in Action squirrel control higher priority initially 1.1
2. PROTECT RED SQUIRREL POPULATIONS
10
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
ACTION 2.1: Identify Project Manager in By end of Year Ongoing process key habitat areas for collaboration with FCW 1 needing regular red squirrels together staff and MWRSP. To be review; highest imput with arboreal agreed by Landowners needed in Year 1 connective corridors and ensure integration into current and future Forest Design Plans throughout the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
ACTION 2.2: Produce Project Manager in Strategy and Ongoing need into and implement a grey collaboration with FCW initial foreseeable future squirrel control staff and MWRSP. implementation likely; may lessen strategy for the Mid Implementation overseen by end of Year e.g.if research successfully identifies Wales Red Squirrel by Project Management, 1 other methods of Focal Site and the involving landowners and elimination buffer zone contract trapping team
ACTION 2.3 : Identify Project Manager in By end of Year Regular review and implement a collaboration with FCW 1 needed and practical survey and and MWRSP adaptations monitoring implemented as necessary methodology for grey squirrels in the Mid Wales Focal Site
ACTION 2.4 : Produce Project Manager with By end of Year Review regularly to and implement a Mid FCW and MWRSP. To be 1 incorporate any Wales Red Squirrel agreed by landowners. changes arising from Management Plan to Actions 2.1 and 2.2 include Actions 2.1 and 2.2 , 2.3
3. POLICY ADVOCACY
ACTION 3.1: FCW, CCW and relevant Ongoing Continue to attend representative from
11
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Wales Squirrel Forum MWRSP meetings to ensure that conservation of the Mid Wales red squirrel populations is included where appropriate in the Forum’s consultation responses and recommendations.
ACTION 3.2: Representatives from Ongoing Collaborate with the FCW, CCW and MWRSP as Wales BAP Woodland appropriate Ecosystem Group and Species Expert Group to ensure that red squirrel conservation is included in the Groups’ respective consultation responses and recommendations.
ACTION 3.3: Secure FCW and all relevant Ongoing, see habitat landowners Action 2.1 improvements where required in Forest Design Plans produced by the Forestry Commission and private landowners, including plans produced through Better Woodlands for Wales and all future equivalent schemes.
12
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
4. DISEASE CONTROL
ACTION 4.1: Monitor Project Manager & grey Ongoing, linked incidence of squirrel contractors in to Action 2.2 squirrelpox virus in collaboration with grey squirrels using Trappers blood sample results obtained from trapped grey squirrels.
ACTION 4.2: Project Manager & grey Ongoing Implement squirrel contractors in biosecurity measures collaboration with to minimise the risk Trappers of disease transmission from activities such as trapping and supplementary feeding.
Action 4.3: Agree a Project Manager & grey Ongoing squirrelpox virus squirrel contractors in action plan to ensure collaboration with FCW, rapid action in the CCW and MWRSP event of SQPV outbreak in red squirrels.
5. ADVISORY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
ACTION 5.1: Share Project Manager, WSF, Ongoing good practice and
13
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
establish good MWRSP communications with other red squirrel projects
ACTION 5.2: Provide Project Manager , FCW, Ongoing red squirrel MWRSP conservation advice to all woodland owners, managers, foresters, local authorities and other appropriate bodies
ACTION 5.3: Establish Project Manager, MWRSP Ongoing a red squirrel community/volunteer group
ACTION 5.4: Promote Project Manager, MWRSP Ongoing public understanding about the red squirrel and its conservation in mid‐Wales
ACTION 5.5: Update Project Manager with Ongoing and enhance as MWRSP appropriate the mid‐ Wales Red Squirrel Project website pages and its links to all other relevant partner organisation’s websites.
14
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
6. RESEARCH
ACTION 6.1: Collect Project Manager in Ongoing hair samples from collaboration with trapped red squirrels Trapping contractors for further genetic analysis
ACTION 6.2: Project Manager/MWRSP Ongoing Contribute to the WSF review and assessment of the potential impact of climate change on red squirrel conservation in Wales with particular reference to Mid Wales.
ACTION 6.3: Provide FCW/MWRSP/landowners Ongoing opportunities for a range of red and grey squirrel research projects.
ACTION 6.4 Project Manager/ WSF/ Ongoing Disseminate research MWRSP and survey findings in order to enhance the understanding of red squirrel ecology
15
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Appendix 2: Summary Table of Proposed budget outline for carrying out key priority actions.
Caveat: The following proposed budget represents one option of delivery mechanism. It is expected that there will be opportunity to enter into further discussion with FCW over delivery options for the key priority actions for red squirrels in Mid Wales as outlined in the Action Plan.'
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
Unconfirmed Income Forestry Commission (WAG) 167,915 157,378 162,974 168,419 171,873 828,559
Total 167,915 157,378 162,974 168,419 171,873 828,559 Project Expenditure Red Squirrel Project Manager 27,600 28,428 29,280 30,160 31,064 146,532 Staff Travel 1,400 1,400 1,400 1,600 1,600 7,400 Staff Training 700 700 800 800 800 3,800 ------Grey Squirrel Control Management 75,200 77,456 79,780 82,173 84,640 399,249 ------Staff PPE 700 - - 600 - 1,300 IT Equipment 1,000 - - 500 - 1,500 Stationery 500 500 500 500 500 2,500 Equipment 3,300 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 7,300 DNA Analysis 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,300 1,300 6,200 Website Design 3,000 800 800 800 800 6,200 Promotional Materials 1,500 - 700 - - 2,200 Event Expenses 400 400 400 450 450 2,100 Staff Conference Fees 1,600 1,600 1,800 1,800 1,800 8,600 ------Administration 17,715 17,023 17,649 18,252 18,593 89,232 HR Contingency 26,100 26,871 27,665 28,483 29,326 138,445 Vehicle 6,000 - - - - 6,000
TOTAL 167,915 157,378 162,974 168,418 171,873 828,558
------SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - 0 - 1 (0) 1 Unconfirmed Income ------Total ------
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - 0 - - - 1
Full budget sheet will be sent as an accompanying excel spreadsheet to this document
16
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Appendix 3: Justification for the boundary of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
Drawing the boundary of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site took account of a number of considerations that can be largely divided into two: the distribution of red squirrels and the capacity or the potential of the land to support red squirrel conservation.
Records of red squirrels were collated – initially as part of a survey carried out in 2000 ( Matthew & Bevan 2000) and then subsequently by Neil Matthew in his role as recorder for Carmarthenshire mammals and for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership. The records are of sightings from forestry workers, employees of conservation agencies and members of the public. They were accepted on the basis of the observer’s depth of experience or familiarity with the species and/or a good description being given. Records with a yet greater degree of verification have been supplied as a result of live trapping and hair tube surveys carried out for or by MWRSP, (Hobbs in 2004‐2005 and Cartmel in 2001), as well as photographs and video evidence from a number of locations.
Maps were produced using the Geographical Information System (GIS) ‘MapInfo’. The first showed red squirrel distribution in the 1990s and from 2000 onwards, represented by blue and red triangles respectively. Recent post‐2000 records were concentrated where the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys come together in the Cambrian Mountains and where there are extensive plantations of coniferous forest. A second map was produced in 2009, using the same data but distinguishing between sightings (yellow circles) and trapping and other verified records (red circles). This map indicated that the sightings were likely to be reliable in that hard evidence was obtained in most of the areas where there had been, or have been subsequently, clusters of visual observations.
A proposed reserve boundary was drawn in red taking into account the distribution of post 2000 records and ensuring as great a degree of forest connectivity as possible. The line was for the most part drawn along the edge of forest boundaries, avoiding concentrations of broadleaved woodland where possible but defining a cohesive geographical area. A further blue line was drawn defining a buffer zone in which grey squirrel control could be targeted. Within the red line both habitat management for red squirrels and grey squirrel control could be carried out.
The concept of the buffer zone has been described in the following terms: “…at the edge of forests that are in danger of being invaded by squirrels, a border of at least 3km wide must be established as a buffer against the infiltration of grey squirrels” (Gurnell & Pepper 1991). In England buffer zones of 5km have been used around red squirrel reserves. In this case there is considerable variability in the width of the buffer zone, from non‐existent in the north and east because the adjacent open upland should be intractable to grey squirrels, to a width of upwards of 10 km in the south where there is a substantial component of
17
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
broadleaved woodland and hence grey squirrel habitat. The average is probably around 3km.
More detail about drawing these boundaries can be given here. Caio, South Crychan and other large conifer blocks were excluded from the reserve area on the basis of there being few if any recent records, but also on account of the large amount of broad‐leaved woodland either within the forestry blocks or between these and the main area to the north. It was decided to include North Crychan as the habitat here is more unsuitable for grey squirrels in that tree species with large seeds such as hazel, oak and beech are scarce. In addition there are good connections to the rest of the area. The Sugar Loaf on the west side of North Crychan is a place where the public have often seen red squirrels in the past and where there is scope for the provision of interpretation material (the same can be said of another picnic site at Pwll‐y‐bo in the Irfon valley). In the north, a part of Tywi forest has been included in the buffer zone where FC hope to establish a “wildwood” of mostly open ground which it is hoped will discourage greys from infiltrating from the broadleaved woodland near Strata Florida.
Educational value was one of the criteria used by the UK Steering Group when assessing priority areas for red squirrel conservation in the UK. In this less well populated part of the country, the boundary of the buffer zone passes through a number of significant settlements where it is hoped public support for red squirrel conservation can be gained. Where appropriate, roads such as the A482 and A483, B 4343 and some more minor roads act as boundaries and help define a geographically discrete area. In this way settlements such as Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron, Llanddewi Brefi, Llanfair Clydogau, Cellan, Cwmann, Pumsaint, Porthyrhyd, Pentre‐ty‐gwyn, Llanwrtyd Wells and Beulah are included. The area is also very near the market towns of Llandovery and Lampeter.
The area enclosed within the proposed Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site boundary amounts to approximately 35,000 ha (approximately a third of which is open land between commercial forestry blocks) and a roughly equivalent area falls within the buffer zone. The area can be considered large in terms of management issues (although small in terms of the landmass of Wales) and some justification for this needs to be given.
It is acknowledged that in conifer plantations red squirrels occur at low densities at roughly 0.3 per ha and their daily movements are in the order of 0.2 – 1.8km (Bryce, Cartmel, Quine 2005). Good feeding habitat (pine, larch, Norway spruce ) is rare in Tywi (Matthew & Bevan 2000): Norway Spruce 1%, Douglas fir 1%, larch 5%, lodgepole pine 4.5%, native broadleaves 2%, Sitka spruce 76% of approx 4175ha. Work carried out by Anna Hobbs in 2004‐5 at Fannog and Nant yr Hwch resulted in 14 red squirrels being trapped in areas measuring 500 m and 350m in linear extent respectively. These traps were located in small areas of lodgepole pine that acted as magnets to red squirrels in the forest. A large area of Sitka is likely to be as important in terms of red squirrel conservation as the areas of feeding habitat in that it “hides” this resource from greys.
18
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
A total of only 67 ha of lodgepole pine, the most reliable food source for red squirrels, and 75 ha of larch was estimated to occur in Tywi by Cartmel (2002). These trees occur in widely scattered patches through the forest, enabling theoretically red squirrels to occupy most of it. A similar situation occurs in the other forests in the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site. A complicating factor and one that acts against the red squirrel is the unreliability of seed crops with one or other species failing in certain years. It is therefore necessary to have large swathes of continuous forest for red squirrels to find and move to suitable feeding areas.
Another justification for defending a large area is the need to maintain genetic diversity. Genetic variation is an important factor in the continuance of a species. “In the long term, genetic variation is a pre‐condition for evolution to act and genetic drift….occurring in small populations may put at risk their survival ‘’ (Knothe 1994). DNA samples taken from red squirrels in Fannog, Nant yr Hwch, Llyn Du and Bryn Arau Duon have resulted in the identification of four haplotypes, more than in any other part of Wales, two of which are unique to Mid Wales. “The level of genetic variation observed in Mid Wales, relative to other Welsh localities, identifies this population as being of clear importance in the conservation of red squirrels in Wales as a whole.” (Ogden & McEwing 2005). A landscape‐ scale approach with the capacity for red squirrels to move freely within and between all parts of the area is clearly necessary to maintain this level of diversity.
Neil Matthew
CCW Conservation Officer
Carmarthenshire
06/10/09
References
Anon (2000). Priority areas for red squirrel conservation in the UK. Draft. UK Steering Group
Bryce, J, Cartmel, S, Quine, C P (2005). Habitat Use by Red and Grey Squirrels: Results of Two Recent Studies and Implications for management. Forestry Commission Information Note
Cartmel, S J (2002). Red Squirrel Survey of Central Wales 2001. CCW Contract Science Report No 475
Denman, R H (2006) Report on the Status of the Red Squirrel in Central Wales. Mid Wales Red Squirrel Project Report 2006
Gurnell, J, Pepper, H W (1991) Conserving the Red Squirrel. Forestry Commission Research Information Note 205
19
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Hobbs, A (2005) Assessment of the status of the red squirrel in Central Wales. CCW SCF Report: 05/02/07
Knothe, H (1994) Genetic variation in red squirrel populations (Sciurus vulgaris) cited by Waters, L in The Conservation of Red Squirrels Sciurus vulgaris L, ed Gurnell, J, Lurz, P. PTES 1997
Matthew, N R, Bevan, J (2000) The Red Squirrel in Central Wales: a Preliminary Study. Countryside Council for Wales
Ogden, R, McEwing, R (2005) Genetic Analysis of the Mid‐Wales red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population. Wildlife DNA Services Ltd Project Report No 05/004
Ogden, R. et al. (2005). Genetic management of the red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris: a practical approach to regional conservation. Conservation Genetics 6: 511‐525.
20
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Appendix 4 : Boundary maps for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
21
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
22
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
23
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Appendix 5: Grey squirrel control proposal for the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site
Introduction
Grey squirrel control is recognised as a key component of red squirrel conservation strategies (Parrott et al 2009). In the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site the aim is to systematically carry out grey squirrel control at a strategic landscape scale in woodlands managed by Forestry Commission Wales, private forestry companies, and other private landowners.
The National Assembly for Wales owned forests form an extensive area of coniferous plantations in Llanymddyfri Forest District in central Wales in the counties of Ceredigion and Powys and are managed by the Forestry Commission from their Llandovery office on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.
In the same area there are extensive private forests managed by Tilhill Ltd, SelectFor Ltd, Flintshire Woodlands and other private forest managers. There are also extensive areas of interconnected woodland in private ownership distributed in small blocks and disparate ownership around the edges of the Mid Wales forests. They are predominantly broadleaved woodland and form potential entry zones for grey squirrels. They are mainly in the following areas:
• Cwm Cothi between Pumsaint and Cwrt y Cadno. • The upper Tywi valley and tributaries in the vicinity of Rhandirmwyn and Cilycwm. • The Twrch valley near Ffarmers. • Woodlands around Pontrhydfendigaid and other woodlands adjacent to the Teifi valley between Lampeter and Pontrhydfendigaid. • Cwm Irfon above Llanwrtyd.
This paper has been produced as part of a request in October 2009 by FCW to the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Partnership for information outlining the key priorities for conserving red squirrels in Mid Wales.
Background to required control approach
Isolated by open land to a large extent, the forests of Mid Wales can be described as a terrestrial island, and as such, have provided a sanctuary for red squirrels. However, narrow wooded valley sides provide arboreal connectivity for grey squirrels to periodically invade the forest and compete with the red squirrels for resources. It is therefore vitally important to aim to eliminate the grey squirrel from the forests of the Mid Wales Red Squirrel Focal Site and to maintain a buffer zone which is periodically cleared of grey squirrels.
Grey squirrel numbers vary considerably according to seasonal and annual food availability,
24
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
suitability of habitat and breeding success. Flexibility will be required in any trapping strategy in order to respond quickly and appropriately to grey squirrel population changes, so that resources can be targeted in the most cost‐effective way.
In order to achieve success in eliminating grey squirrels from Mid Wales’ forests, trapping will need to be co‐ordinated, systematic and carried out at a strategic landscape scale. Success is only likely if all landowners co‐operate in the project.
Currently, part‐funding for grey squirrel trapping is available through WAG Better Woodlands for Wales (BWW) scheme and may also be available under the new Glastir agri‐ environment scheme. Grant aid is allocated per property based on the total area of eligible land on the property. Allocating resources in this way is likely to pose problems to the systematic elimination of grey squirrels as not all landowners will necessarily participate and therefore grey squirrels may recolonise quickly from neighbouring properties. It is also possible problems could be encountered with maintaining uniform trapping standards between properties, co‐ordinating trapping in landscape areas and in monitoring and recording results. This is not likely to be a problem where a single manager is managing several large forest properties, but could be particularly difficult with the numerous independent owners encountered in the buffer zone.
Therefore this may not be the most efficient and cost‐effective means of allocating funds or of controlling grey squirrels. If possible the trapping should be carried out and co‐ordinated by one body. In addition, it would be more cost‐effective to provide funding to one organisation to provide a uniform level of service to all landowners, rather than funding individual landowners. This would also allow for the flexibility necessary to respond to changing grey squirrel demographics.
In order to target the trapping most effectively, and hence make the most effective use of the resources available, a team of trained contract trappers should be established to call upon when required. Using contract trappers rather than relying entirely on full time employed trappers has been demonstrated to be effective on Anglesey.
Proposed grey squirrel control methods
The aim of the grey squirrel control programme would be to systematically and progressively carry out trapping, starting at central points within the Core Area of the Focal Site and working towards the perimeters. The Buffer Zone areas (identified above) will be treated similarly.
The control programme will be managed by the Project Co‐ordinator and will be carried out in a systematic manner at a landscape scale. A desk‐top study using GIS and mapped data will be carried out prior to the commencement of trapping to identify areas for trapping based on presence of suitable squirrel habitat. Co‐operation of all landowners will be required and therefore all landowners and land‐managers will be contacted. Some initial
25
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
field survey work will be required to verify GIS and mapping data (and in particular to identify small woodlands, gardens, copses and hedgerows in the buffer zone which could be of particular importance to grey squirrel presence and dispersal).
Based on the information gathered a strategic landscape scale trapping plan will be designed for the Core Area of the Focal Site and for the Buffer Zone. The component areas of the Buffer Zone have already been broadly identified (see Introduction above) based on watersheds which flow from the Focal Site. Detailed individual trapping programmes will be drawn up for each of these watersheds to show planned trapping progress and location of trapping sites. It is likely that grey squirrels will be present in high numbers prior to the first trapping sessions in the Buffer Zone and detailed field survey work will be required prior to the commencement of trapping to inform the trapping session and target trapping resources.
Approximately 90 single‐capture cage traps will be placed in trees and on the ground in groups of two to four traps per group, to cover approximately 90 ha per session. Trapping will be focused on areas where there is good squirrel feeding habitat (pine, larch, Norway spruce and large‐seeded broadleaves). Sitka spruce will also be trapped based on evidence of squirrel activity and proximity to the above areas.
Each session will consist of pre‐baiting traps over a five day period followed by up to 10 days of setting traps and will take place throughout the year. In some years, there may be little value in trapping in broadleaved areas in August and September when there is abundant food for grey squirrels. Trapping sessions may be extended if grey squirrels are being captured in high numbers or are still being captured on the tenth day.
Grey squirrel numbers are likely to vary seasonally and annually depending primarily on food availability and fecundity. It will therefore be important to maintain flexibility in the trapping strategy to allow a higher intensity of trapping during times when grey squirrel numbers are high or are dispersing into the Buffer Zone in high numbers from outside.
Periodic monitoring for the presence of grey squirrels will be required between trapping sessions in order to inform targeting of future sessions. This could involve checking of maize baited stations, visual surveys of corridor woodlands, hair‐tube surveys etc. Feedback from the public and local landowners and managers will be of particular importance to gaining information as the presence of grey squirrels.
It is envisaged that the key areas of squirrel habitat in the Core Area of the Focal Site be trapped twice annually and the Buffer Zone will be trapped up to six times per year on average. However, greater effort may be required in the Core Area initially and trapping may also vary depending on trapping and monitoring results.
It is a legal requirement to destroy any grey squirrel that is caught: the animal should be cornered into the bottom of a sack and dispatched with a blow to the head. Weight, sex,
26
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
reproductive condition and general external appearance will be recorded as well as Ordnance Survey (OS) map reference location. Any traps in which grey squirrels are captured will be removed from the trapping site and replaced with a clean trap to avoid potential transmission of squirrel‐pox virus. The removed trap will be sterilized and then left outside for a week in order to lose the smell of the sterilizing compound used.
Any red squirrels caught will be checked for weight, sex, age, reproductive condition and their external appearance studied for unusual markings, signs of disease or parasites. The OS map reference location of capture will be recorded. A photograph will be taken of each squirrel, although this has proved difficult in the past due to the need to work quickly and the difficulty of handling and taking photographs simultaneously. Captures will be marked either by fur clipping on the squirrel’s tail or by ear tattooing, to enable identification on recapture. Pit‐tagging may also be an appropriate method of marking. A hair sample will be taken from the tail to allow analysis of DNA from hair follicles. The animal will be re‐ released as quickly as possible to minimise stress.
Monitoring
Records will be kept of all trapping sessions and details of captures/sightings of both species will be submitted to CCW using the standard recording template supplied by CCW and subject to CCW Data Provider Agreement. Records will include details of species, sex, weight, location, map reference, vice county, recorder and verifier names. Records may also be submitted to FCW if requested, and will support the monitoring requirements of BWW.
References
Cartmel, S. (2001). Red Squirrel Survey of Central Wales 2001. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor.
Cartmel, S. (2003). Review of Red Squirrel Habitat in Central Wales. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor.
Denman, R. H. (2006). Report on the Status of the Red Squirrel in Central Wales. MWRSP
Hobbs, A. M. (2005). Assessment of the Status of the Red Squirrel in Central Wales. MWRSP
Lucas, A. (1997). Mammals in Carmarthenshire. Andrew Lucas.
Lurz, P. W. W. (1995). The ecology and conservation of the red squirrel in upland conifer plantations. PhD Thesis, Newcastle University.
27
MID‐WALES RED SQUIRREL PARTNERSHIP 2009
Lurz, P. W. W., Garson, P. & Rushton, S. (1995). The ecology of squirrels in spruce dominated plantations: implications for forest management. Forest Ecology and Management. 79, 79‐ 90.
Matthew, N.R. & Bevan, J.M.S. (2000). The red squirrel in central Wales: a preliminary study. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor.
Mayle, B. (2004). Controlling grey squirrel damage to woodlands. Edinburgh, Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission Practice Note).
Pepper, H. & Patterson, G. (1998). Red squirrel conservation. Edinburgh, Forestry Commission (Forestry Commission Practice Note).
Parrott D. et al (2009). Review of red squirrel conservation activity in Northern England. Natural England Commissioned Report NECR019.
Wildlife DNA Services Limited. (2005). Genetic Analysis of the Mid‐Wales Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) Population. Unpublished Project Report No. 05/004.
Appendix 6 : Conservation Plan for Red Squirrels in Wales (prepared by Wales Squirrel Forum, 2009)
Please use the following web link : http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landscape‐‐wildlife/habitats‐‐species/terrestrial/species/mammals/red‐ squirrels.aspx
28